Evidence-based interventions for promoting healthy aging: a scoping review

Population aging poses a major demographic challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where chronic and neurocognitive conditions are increasing. The World Health Organization defines healthy ageing as the process of maintaining functional ability through the interaction between intrinsic capacity (physical and mental health) and environmental factors across the life course, emphasizing function rather than disease absence.

This scoping review synthesized scientific evidence on interventions that promote healthy ageing across the life course, following the Joanna Briggs Institute PCC framework.

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scielo, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and LILACS without language or date restrictions. From 5,808 records, 219 studies met the inclusion criteria, including systematic reviews, clinical trials, quasi-experimental, and observational studies.

Most interventions focused on physical and mental health in adult and older populations. Multicomponent physical activity, nutritional, and cognitive interventions showed consistent benefits for functional ability and wellbeing, while evidence on life-course, environmental, and policy-level interventions remained limited.

Integrative, multicomponent, and culturally adapted interventions are most effective for promoting healthy ageing. Future research should adopt life-course approaches and prioritize long-term, well-powered studies to inform equitable ageing policies.