Australian Consensus Statement on the Prevention and Management of Frailty Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Modified Delphi Study
Medical journal of Australia, Vol.224(5), pp.1-13
05/2026
: PMC13139793
: 42083402
1
Introduction: This consensus statement from multidisciplinary experts and consumers across Australia provides comprehensive recommendations on the prevention and management of frailty in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: The study uses a modified Delphi design. Phase I involved iterative discussion among six frailty care working groups, based on current evidence and expert opinion, to draft the statements. Phase II involved validation of each statement across two Delphi rounds conducted to determine level of agreement.
Main Recommendations:
• A lifelong approach to health promotion for frailty prevention should focus on raising awareness, annual screening (65+ years) and personalised counselling around accessible health behaviours to manage chronic comorbidities.
• An individualised, balanced, protein-rich diet is likely to be effective in delaying the onset of frailty. Protein–energy malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies should be identified and treated. A nutrition care plan that considers the relaxation of dietary restrictions aligned with goals of care should be planned for older adults with severe frailty.
• Progressive, individualised and ongoing exercise should be a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise, and balance and functional training tailored to frailty level and supervised by professionals.
• Social prescribing for older adults should be co-designed with a link worker to support meaningful, accessible and culturally appropriate activities that foster social engagement, with plans customised to the individual's frailty level.
• A comprehensive, multidisciplinary medication review tailored to the older adult's health status, preferences and frailty degree helps optimise medication use, minimise harm and support functional independence across all stages of frailty.
• Older adults with severe frailty need a regularly reviewed, personalised care plan, which involves carers in decision-making, supports advance care planning and ensures high-quality end-of-life care.
Changes in Management Informed by This Statement
The consensus statements introduce an integrated, evidence-informed and consumer-focused framework to guide healthcare professionals in delivering personalised and effective care for community-dwelling older adults living with or at risk of frailty.
- Australian Consensus Statement on the Prevention and Management of Frailty Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Modified Delphi Study
- Sakshi Chopra - The University of QueenslandIda Tornvall - The University of QueenslandNatasha Reid - The University of QueenslandElizabeth Whiting - The University of QueenslandSarah N Hilmer - Royal North Shore HospitalJenny Job - Mater ResearchAnthony Villani - University of the Sunshine CoastAndrew J Maiorana - Curtin UniversityMark Morgan - Bond UniversitySarah Fox - The University of QueenslandAdrienne Young - The University of QueenslandCaroline Gibson - Australian College of Critical Care NursesDonna M Reidlinger - The University of QueenslandElissa Burton - Curtin UniversityEmily H Gordon - The University of QueenslandJames Baker - Southern Cross UniversityLeila Shafiee Hanjani - Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, AustraliaLisa Kouladjian O'Donnell - The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, AustraliaMarc Sim - The University of Western AustraliaPeta Dampney - The University of QueenslandMichelle Miller - Flinders UniversityPazit Levinger - National Ageing Research InstituteShannon King - The University of QueenslandRuth E Hubbard - The University of Queensland
- Medical journal of Australia, Vol.224(5), pp.1-13
- John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- 13
- Queensland Health
- 991013374507902368
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Faculty of Health
- English
- Journal article