Early detection: why identifying frailty matters more than ever

We often talk about the importance of preventing chronic illness, but one of the most overlooked and preventable conditions affecting older adults today is frailty. It’s not just a catch-all for ageing. It’s a measurable, modifiable signal of increased risk, and one that standard check-ups often fail to catch.

Frailty isn’t always visible. It often presents as a gradual loss of strength, mobility, and resilience. However, research shows that a specific form of frailty—where low muscle mass combines with higher levels of body fat—is especially concerning. This is linked to dramatically higher rates of disability, hospitalization and falls in adults over 60.

In fact, according to a significant study from New Mexico, older adults showing this profile were up to 12 times more likely to report multiple physical disabilities compared to those with stronger muscle health.

The challenge? This form of frailty is often hidden. Many individuals may appear to be in stable health on the surface or pass if off as ageing, but without proper screening for muscle mass and function, early signs of decline are missed—until a fall or serious injury brings them into hospital.

Every year, 14 million adults aged 65+ fall in the US, that’s one in four. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations in older adults, with treatment costs projected to reach over $101 billion by 2030. Among those who fall, more than half require hospital care, with the average inpatient visit costing $18,658.

The good news? It’s possible to spot the warning signs early and take action.

At PhantomOmics, we’re developing non-invasive tools to make this possible. Our advanced screening technologies can help identify at-risk individuals earlier, with real-time insights into muscle health, body composition and other key metrics. No blood tests or hospital visits needed.

With the right tools, we can detect it early, manage it proactively, and often reverse it. Prevention starts with knowing what to look for and acting before it’s too late. Read the full paper here.