Which statement best distinguishes disability from frailty?

• A. Disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; frailty is a medical syndrome with diminished strength, endurance and reduced physiological function
• B. They are the same condition
• C. Disability is only cognitive impairment
• D. Frailty is not defined

Answer: (A)

Disability and frailty describe different aspects of aging. Disability refers to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, meaning real limitations in performing tasks a person considers essential, like walking, dressing, bathing, or communicating. Frailty is a defined medical syndrome reflecting diminished strength, endurance, and physiological function, which heightens vulnerability to stressors and often presents with features such as weak grip, slow walking speed, unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, and low activity. This distinction matters because a person can be frail yet still functionally independent, and someone can have a disability without meeting frailty criteria. Frailty is a defined syndrome with specific criteria, while disability centers on actual limitations in daily functioning. In nutrition and care planning, frailty guides strategies to boost reserve and muscle mass (protein, energy intake, resistance training), whereas disability guides supports to maintain or enhance ADL independence (rehabilitation, assistive devices, environmental modifications).