Rather than wait for increasing frailty to cause a major health incident (like a fall), the Danish government is stepping in to introduce wellness programs.
The law requires all people aged over 80 to be offered an annual preventive home visit.
The visits must also be offered to “vulnerable and socially exposed” people between the ages of 65 and 80 who are considered at risk because they are in a “difficult” life situation, such as a person who has lost their spouse or partner.
The aim of the visits by a multidisciplinary team is to detect early signs of frailty and develop prevention action plans.
60% of Denmark’s 80+ year-olds have accepted the annual visits and recommendations.
Results have shown that while length of life has not increased as result of the program, the health and quality of life has improved markedly.
Our Monday Club message:
Don’t wait for frailty, get in front of it for a better quality of life. Think strength, flexibility and movement training, including dancing!
