The current status and implications of aging research from a health perspective

With the pace of aging population deepening, the well-being of older adults has increasingly emerged as the focus of global concern. In this context, this study adopts a narrative review approach. Drawing on the concept of healthy aging and incorporated by Person-Environment Fit theory, an analytical framework is developed to systematically synthesize research on aging from a health perspective. It aims to explore the impacts of intrinsic capacity (including physical function, cognitive function and mental health), external environmental support (including social environment, physical environment and technology environment), and their interactive effects on healthy aging.

To perform this narrative review, a literature search was conducted in the Chinese and international databases including CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Sage Journals databases. The search covered publications from database inception to December 31, 2025. Studies were screened and relevant information was retrieved in alignment with the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Evidence indicates that intrinsic capacity and external environmental support are interconnected. Environmental resources can compensate for declines in intrinsic capacity while also facilitating its maintenance and development. Conversely, higher levels of intrinsic capacity enable individuals to more effectively access and utilize environmental resources, thereby creating a positive feedback loop that promotes health.

The interplay between intrinsic capacity and external environment support plays a decisive role in shaping health outcomes in later life and it is fundamental to achieving health aging. The mechanisms underlying their interaction and their combined impact on health should be examined in further research. There is also a need to develop and refine measurement tools for person-environment fit and strengthen cross-cultural comparative research.