Frailty is associated with decreased physiological reserve, and is considered as an important indicator of adverse events in the elderly population. Therefore, increasing evidence shows that the syndrome should be diagnosed, and interventions should be carried out as early as possible, but its pathogenetic mechanism remains unclear. Chronic inflammation, as a pathophysiological mechanism, is related to the decline of physical functions, and consequently, can increase risk of diseases. Many studies suggest that chronic low-grade systemic inflammation may probably be an important cause of frailty. In the present paper, we review the research progress concerning syndrome and chronic systemic inflammation.