The association between social activeness and frailty among the elderly in China - analysis based on 2018 CHARLS data

Abstract Background Frailty is a common health problem in older adults and is associated with several adverse health outcomes, including reduced physical function, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. Social activity is thought to be a key factor in preventing or slowing the progression of frailty. This study aimed to examine the relationship between social activity and frailty in older adults in China. Methods For the analysis, we used 2018 data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which included 7,862 older adults aged ≥ 60 years. Social activeness was statistically calculated based on relevant questions in the CHARLS questionnaire, with the aim of quantifying the frequency and quality of participants' social interactions and activities. Participants' level of frailty was measured using a specific frailty index scale designed to assess physical, cognitive, and psychological frailty in older adults. To analyze the relationship between social activity and frailty, we used logistic regression models to assess associations and calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results A total of 7862 older adults (60 years or older) were recruited for this study, of whom 827 had frailty. The median age of the participants was 68 years (interquartile range: 64–74 years), 4429 (56.3%) were female. After adjustment for the mixed factor, social activity and frailty were significantly negatively associated in the elderly (adjusted OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.36–2.07; P < 0.001). Compared with high social activity (3 points or more), the risk of medium and low social activity (0 to 2 points) is higher (aOR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.38–1.95; P < 0.001; E-value = 2.17). Conclusions Social activity is a protective factor against frailty and may reduce the risk of frailty in older adults. By improving the social activeness of the elderly, the risk of frailty can be reduced.