Investigating how levels of frailty affect COVID-19 related illness and other related health outcomes

Older adults have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher rates of infection, greater mortality, and greater severity illness. Much of the increased risks of poor outcomes can be attributed to frailty. Better understanding of how levels of frailty are associated with COVID-19 related health outcomes can help with current and future pandemic planning. The proposed study has two key aims that will take advantage of previous waves of CLSA data. First, we will use the CLSA data to investigate how frailty, measured at baseline and follow-up using a deficit accumulation approach, may affect COVID-19 related illness. Second, we will examine associations between levels of frailty and related health outcomes of COVID-19. This will include changes in physical activity and function, social interaction, mental health, and the impact on non-Covid related health problems.