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Trends in Intrinsic Capacity: Evidence From 32 Countries
Ying Li1, YiLin Chen2, Yin Chen2
1Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou; School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|July 5, 2026
Summary
Intrinsic capacity, crucial for healthy aging, shows a general decline with age, particularly in women over 75. While improving in older adults in high-income nations, younger cohorts exhibit a concerning downward trend.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Public Health
- Aging Research
- Global Health
Background:
- Promoting healthy aging is a global priority.
- Intrinsic capacity is key to healthy aging.
- Current understanding of intrinsic capacity trends is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes and temporal trends in intrinsic capacity.
- To analyze intrinsic capacity across diverse global populations.
- To identify factors influencing intrinsic capacity over time.
Main Methods:
- Multiple-cohort study design.
- Inclusion of 172,751 participants aged 40+ across 32 countries.
- Assessment of intrinsic capacity using WHO-recommended five dimensions.
Main Results:
- Gradual decline in intrinsic capacity with age, more pronounced in women post-75.
- Overall decline in intrinsic capacity across the study period.
- Mixed trends observed: improvement in older adults (80+) in recent cohorts, but decline in younger cohorts.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic capacity shows improvement in specific age groups in high-income countries.
- Further research is needed to understand the decline in younger cohorts.
- Preventive strategies are essential to mitigate adverse aging outcomes.
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