Frailty, Frailty Progression, Falls Fears and Injuries among the Elderly: Possible Protective Role of a Stepped Stage Theory Approach to Active Tai Chi Therapy Adoption

Abstract

Increasing numbers of older adults vulnerable to becoming frail are also often at risk for serious falls injuries and poor health outcomes that can include frailty. In this report we aimed to examine the correlate of frailty, and its association with falls and their outcomes among older adults and the possible protective efficacy of Tai Chi therapy in this regard. Employed were articles of relevance  published up to May 31 2026 in three major electronic data bases that address these topics. Key findings regarding the syndromes of frailty, falls and falls fears, plus their Tai Chi related impacts showed a high proportion of older adults can be expected to exhibit less frailty and falls in response to Tai Chi practice if addressed in a timely and stage matched manner. Indeed it appears comprehensive timely assessments of at risk older adults, and encouraging Tai Chi adoption in the pre frail adult who does not exercise or wish to do so may avert frailty onset, falls and their progression, serious injury plus long term disability costs including excess frailty, recurrent falls injuries, concerns about falling, poor falls self-efficacy, and depression.