Background: Frailty is a major challenge for the aging population, increasing the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and death. It's common with age, and often linked to reduced physical activity and poor diet, especially in those prone to sarcopenia. Gait speed tests are frequently used to assess mobility in older adults. Materials and methods: This six-month study at "Sfântul Luca" Chronic Disease Hospital involved 143 patients over 65 (mean age 72.85 ± 10.07), 113 of whom were women. The Tensiomed Arteriograph measured heart rate, pulse wave velocity, and central aortic blood pressure to assess acute vascular stiffness. Results: As patients aged, their physical circumstances changed: in the age group 75-84 years (“Very elderly”) only 39% of the subjects achieved medium- and good-physical performance, while 56% of them were characterized by low-physical activity (Chi-square test, p <0.001). The mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) values of individuals with inadequate physical activity were significantly lower (21.02 ± 4.68 points) than those with adequate physical activity (Student t-test, p <0.001). Conclusion: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve hemodynamic factors and potentially slow down arterial aging, thus promoting healthy aging. It is imperative for healthcare professionals to promptly evaluate whether older, frail patients can benefit from rehabilitation, enabling swift recovery through multidisciplinary care.
