Frailty in ageing populations worsened by air pollution, global review finds

"Air pollution increases the likelihood of people becoming frail in middle and old age, according to an international review of studies. People are living longer and, while this is often painted as a challenge to healthcare systems, it is also something to celebrate. There are many opportunities to increase the quality of life in old age, maximise independence and minimise the amount time spent being ill."

"Dr Zahra Jafari, from Dalhousie University and coauthor of the review, said: Frailty is a critical health outcome that demands urgent attention, particularly with an ageing population. It is linked to heightened vulnerability, loss of independence, and higher healthcare costs. Importantly, frailty is not inevitable; it can be delayed, prevented, or even reversed. The review team found 10 studies that looked at outdoor air pollution and frailty. The people studied came from 11 countries including China, the UK, Sweden, South Africa and Mexico."

"Exposure to secondhand smoking was the environmental factor that presented the greatest risk of frailty. The risk of frailty was increased by about 60% for people who breathed other people's smoke at home. Using solid fuels for cooking or home heating also carried an extra risk of frailty. This was about half the risk of living with a smoker, based on studies from six countries."

Outdoor air pollution and household air exposures increase the likelihood of frailty in middle and older age. Studies across 11 countries link particle pollution to higher frailty risk, with some evidence that men may be more vulnerable. Secondhand smoke exposure at home raises frailty risk by about 60%. Using solid fuels for cooking or heating also raises frailty risk, roughly half the excess risk of living with a smoker. Frailty associates with greater vulnerability, loss of independence, and higher healthcare costs, but frailty can be delayed, prevented, or reversed through cleaner air and smoke-free, clean household energy.

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