Abstract

Objectives: To identify and synthesize the evidence from longitudinal studies on predictors of clinical, functional, mental, and social variables of physical frailty incidence in older adults living in the community. Method: We conducted a scoping review and searched for articles published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese from 2020 to 2024 in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Results: Our database search initially yielded 9625 articles; 9582 were excluded, and 32 were eligible. The review emphasizes the multifactorial nature of these processes. We identified 27 predictors and organized them into four groups based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA): clinical, functional, mental, and social. Factors such as multimorbidity, polypharmacy, smoking and lung function, baseline pre-frailty, physical activity, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, social participation, and age were identified as predictors for frailty in older adults. Conclusion: This synthesis provides a basis for future research and interventions aimed at preventing physical frailty. Developing a red flag system during the assessment of older adults is key, and the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment enables healthcare professionals to identify reversible risks and early signs of deterioration, supporting timely action to mitigate frailty. These findings also highlight the importance of integrating mental health assessments into frailty screening protocols, particularly within primary care settings. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.