Letters to the Editor RESPONSE TO SPECIAL MEDICAL SCIENCES SECTION ON UNCONVENTIONAL VIEWS OF FRAILTY To the Editor:

751) in the July 2007 issue of the Journal provided valuable insight into the topic (1–6). Frailty is gaining attention in many fields because it increases the risk of falls, mortality, and institutionalization. Geriatricians, gerontologists, and social scientists study frailty to better understand its impacts on health, individuals, and society. At the same time that interest has increased in frailty, it is important to note that certain factors, such as ‘‘increases in longevity,’ ’ ‘‘declining household size,’ ’ and fewer and more costly caregiving resources (7), present significant challenges related to caring for an aging, and sometimes frail, population. It is, therefore, imperative that the global community better understand the potential role that public health can play in helping community residents adopt the habits throughout life that will ensure the latest possibl