Three-Year Trajectories of Functional Change, Cognitive Symptoms and Frailty Among Older Chinese-Speaking Adults in Australia

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Abstract
Purpose This study examined three-year changes in functional change, cognitive symptoms, frailty and depressive symptoms among older Chinese-speaking adults in Australia. Method A longitudinal cohort of 114 participants was followed across 2023, 2024 and 2025. Outcomes were assessed using the Healthy Brain Ageing–Functional Assessment Questionnaire, AD8, FRAIL Scale and five-item Geriatric Depression Scale, and analysed using linear mixed-effects models. Major findings Functional change and cognitive symptom scores increased significantly from 2023 to 2024 and remained stable in 2025. Frailty scores were stable between 2023 and 2024 but increased significantly in 2025, whereas depressive symptom scores showed no significant change. Complete-case sensitivity analyses supported these findings. Conclusions The results suggest that functional and cognitive vulnerability may emerge before measurable increases in frailty. Longitudinal, culturally responsive monitoring may support earlier identification and timely intervention among older Chinese-speaking.

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