What impact is frailty having on the healthcare system?

According to new research, frailty is imposing a staggering burden on Australia’s healthcare system.

Published in the journal Geriatrics & Gerontology International, the study by Flinders University found frailty significantly increases healthcare costs due to higher service usage, frequent hospitalisations, and extended recovery periods — highlighting an urgent need for targeted interventions to curb this escalating crisis.

“As Australia’s population ages, the costs associated with frailty are set to climb, making it critical to address this issue now,” said lead author Barbara Toson, a biostatistician at Flinders’ College of Medicine and Public Health.

“This study is one of the first to focus on the economic impact of frailty from the healthcare system’s perspective, offering key insights that could drive more effective and sustainable care strategies.”

Examining healthcare costs

Using data from the Registry of Senior Australians, the researchers compared frail and non-frail individuals on both their outcomes and economic costs, finding the healthcare costs for older adults with frailty were significantly higher.

Over a three-year period, total healthcare costs for 39,363 frail individuals, identified during their first aged care assessment in 2013, were estimated at $1.28 billion, compared to $885 million if they had not been frail.

This resulted in an estimated annual excess cost of $130.8 million to overall healthcare expenditures for the Australian Government, primarily driven by hospital admissions.

Frail individuals were also 76% more likely to die and 73% more likely to enter permanent residential aged care, compared to non-frail individuals.

“The cost difference between frail and non-frail individuals is stark, and it shows just how critical it is to prioritise health interventions that can mitigate the progression to frailty,” said senior author Professor Jon Karnon, a health economist at Flinders’ College of Medicine and Public Health.

“If we do nothing, we risk overwhelming the healthcare system with preventable costs that could be managed through more proactive care.”

Where to next?

The authors said the findings highlight the need for more investment in frailty prevention programs and a fresh look at healthcare policies to better manage the needs of an aging population.

“Currently, frailty is not systematically assessed in the general older population but is captured during comprehensive aged care assessments conducted by government-funded aged care assessment teams (ACATs),” Karnon said.

“We need more investment in frailty prevention programs and healthcare policies that better manage the needs of an aging population.

“There is evidence that interventions such as physical exercise, nutrition and multidisciplinary care services in primary care settings can help prevent and manage frailty, but they are not yet standard practice.”

The authors stressed that as Australia’s population ages, the prevalence of frailty is expected to rise significantly.

“11% of older adults in Australia were considered frail in 2016, and this number is projected to increase to 16% by 2027,” Toson said.

“With more older Australians living longer with complex health needs, the strain on healthcare resources will continue to grow.

“Frailty isn’t just a health issue; it’s a significant economic challenge for our healthcare system. By investing in early screening and interventions, we can not only improve the quality of life for older adults but also help ease the financial burden on our healthcare services.”

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