The use of functional performance tests and simple anthropomorphic measures to screen for comorbidity in primary care.

Many older people are unaware of their own co-existing illnesses when they consult physicians for a medical condition. TUG can be a quick and useful screening measure to alert nurses in primary care to the need to proceed with more detailed assessments. It is an especially useful screening measure in settings with high patient volumes and fiscal constraints. TUG is low cost and easy to learn and is therefore also relevant for nurses and health workers in low-resource, low-income countries.