Objective: This study aimed to explore the interplay between frailty, physical
function, physical activity, nutritional status, and their impact on the quality of life
and depressive status in older adults with frailty.
Methods: A cross‐sectional study involving 235 pre‐frail/frail older adults residing
in Spanish communities was conducted. Frailty was assessed using Fried's criteria,
physical function was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery, and
physical activity levels were measured via wrist‐worn accelerometers. Nutritional
status was determined using the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment alongside anthropometric
measurements. Quality of life was gauged using the EuroQoL 5‐Dimension 5‐
Level, while depressive status was assessed using the Yesavage 15‐item Geriatric
Depression Scale. Multivariate linear regression and logistic regression analyses
were employed to elucidate the associations of these factors with quality of life and
depression.
Results: Our findings revealed significant correlations between various factors and
quality of life. Notably, reported fatigue (β = −0.276, p = 0.002), performance in the
4‐m gait test (β = −0.242, p = 0.001), the score on the short version of the Mini‐
Nutritional Assessment (β = 0.312, p = 0.002), and engagement in light physical
activity (β = 0.180, p = 0.023) were all found to be associated with quality of life. In
terms of depressive symptoms, the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment score emerged as a
protective factor (Odds ratio, OR: 0.812, p < 0.001), as did participation in moderate
physical activity (OR: 0.988, p = 0.028). Conversely, fatigue (OR: 3.277, p = 0.003)
and a slow gait speed (OR: 1.136, p = 0.045) were identified as risk factors for
depressive symptoms
