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Aligning Intrinsic Capacity and Geroscience: Linking Function with Biology
Sha Zhu1, Lihua Tao1, Chengcheng Fan1
1Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China.
Aging and Disease
|January 31, 2026
Summary
Healthy aging is a global priority. This review connects Intrinsic Capacity (IC), a measure of physical and mental function, with geroscience, exploring how to optimize IC for better aging outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Biomedical Sciences
Background:
- Global population aging necessitates a focus on healthy aging.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced Intrinsic Capacity (IC) as a composite of physical and mental capacities, shifting focus from disease to function.
- Geroscience aims to understand aging biology and develop interventions to slow aging and prevent age-related decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the conceptual and translational link between Intrinsic Capacity (IC) and geroscience.
- To propose IC as a measurable indicator of global function and a potential target for geroscience interventions.
- To discuss integrating IC into geroscience-informed frameworks for healthy aging.
Main Methods:
- This narrative review synthesizes current literature on Intrinsic Capacity and geroscience.
- It examines the hallmarks of aging in relation to IC domains.
- It summarizes emerging gerotherapeutic strategies for IC optimization.
Main Results:
- Intrinsic Capacity (IC) can serve as a measurable indicator of overall functional status in aging.
- The hallmarks of aging are linked to declines in IC domains.
- Gerotherapeutic approaches show potential for optimizing IC.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic Capacity (IC) and geroscience are conceptually and translationally connected.
- IC optimization is a promising strategy for healthy aging.
- Integrating IC into public health frameworks can guide personalized preventive strategies.
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