Grant: Catalyst Grant: Analysis of CLSA Data - IPPH Mandate Early Career Researcher

Social frailty, which affects up to 20% of older adults living at home, refers to the risk of losing significant social and personal resources, behaviors, and self-care abilities. It often precedes a decline in physical and mental health, leading to higher risks of hospitalization, disability, and even death. However, detecting social frailty is challenging due to the lack of standardized screening methods. Understanding which aspects of social frailty predict health outcomes can help family members, volunteers, and social workers identify at-risk individuals early. Our project will develop simple models that help identify social frailty and predict its effects on mental, physical, and cognitive health. Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, which tracks over 50,000 Canadians for up to 20 years, we will analyze key factors related to social frailty, like anxiety, depression, falls, and cognitive decline. By working with community actors like family members and social workers, we will ensure these models are practical for real-world use and provide actionable recommendations. Ultimately, this project aims to empower communities to detect social frailty early, allowing for timely interventions that improve the health and well-being of older Canadians.