A PERSONALISED online health program is showing strong potential to reduce and even reverse frailty risk in older people, according to new research.
The six month Adelaide University study involved 60 participants aged over 60, with half given access to a tailored web platform offering evidence based advice on health and lifestyle.
The remaining participants formed a control group without access to the program.
At the start, both groups recorded similar levels of frailty risk.
By the end of the trial, those using the platform reduced their risk by 15 per cent, while the control group saw their risk rise by almost 20 per cent.
Lead researcher Professor Renuka Visvanathan said the results highlighted the impact of early intervention.
“Many participants were able to reverse their frailty risk and improve their quality of life within six months,” she said.
The platform included guidance on exercise, nutrition, vaccinations, medication management and social connection.
It also used motivational tools such as reminders and reward points to encourage ongoing engagement.
Participants were invited to attend seminars on topics including healthy ageing and diet, reinforcing the digital content with face to face support.
Adoption of the program was high, with almost all participants using the platform and around three quarters remaining engaged for the full duration of the study.
Many reported improved knowledge, particularly around diet and exercise, alongside positive behaviour changes.
Frailty becomes more common with age and can increase vulnerability to illness, falls and longer recovery times.
It is estimated that one in five older Australians living in the community experience some level of frailty.
Prof Visvanathan said the findings challenge the idea that frailty is unavoidable.
“Our study shows it can be prevented and even reversed with the right support and education,” she said.
Researchers are now seeking further funding to expand and enhance the program, with plans to develop an app and trial the approach more broadly.