Functional Capacity and Functional Ability in an Aging Population: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Public Health

Background:

• The global population is aging rapidly, increasing the importance of functional capacity (FC) and functional ability (FA) in older adults.
• Current definitions and measurements of FC and FA lack consistency, hindering research and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the concepts of FC and FA by summarizing definitions and dimensions.
• To identify current assessment tools for FC and FA.
• To propose precise operational definitions for future research.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo databases.
• Studies published after 2015 involving adults aged 60+ were included.
• Definitions, dimensions, and measurement tools of FC and FA were extracted and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Only 16 of 85 studies explicitly defined FC or FA, showing significant variability.
• Four dimensions emerged: physical, mental, social, and activities of daily living (ADL).
• FC focused on physical health, FA on ADL independence, with diverse measurement tools and limited multidimensional approaches.

Conclusions:

• Standardized definitions and comprehensive, multidimensional assessments of FC and FA are urgently needed.
• The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework can provide a standardized approach.
• Holistic measurement is crucial for advancing research, clinical interventions, and aging policy.