Research on the moderating role of age-friendly communities in the relationship between intrinsic capacity and...

Maintaining functional ability (FA) is the core goal of healthy aging. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that FA is shaped by intrinsic capacity (IC) , the environment, and their interaction. However, this interaction remains underexplored. This study investigated the moderating role of age-friendly community environments in the IC-functional performance relationship among older adults to inform targeted environmental interventions for disability prevention and healthy aging.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May and October 2024 using convenience sampling to recruit 256 older adults from three distinct community contexts in Beijing. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, including demographic and health-related variables, the WHO Intrinsic Capacity Instrument, and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Hierarchical regression and moderation analyses were performed to examine the interactions between IC and age-friendly environments.

Of 256 participants, 20.3% (n = 52) had IADL impairment. Age-friendly environments significantly mitigated the negative impact of declining IC on IADL (B = -0.284, P = 0.002), with housing showing the strongest overall effect (B = -0.281, P < 0.001). The buffering effect was most notable in individuals with low IC (B = -3.034, P = 0.010). Stratified results: (1) Low IC: housing (B = -1.913, P = 0.015) and social participation (B = -1.281, P = 0.024) were key; (2) Moderate IC: transportation (B=-0.191, P = 0.003) and social participation (B = -0.267, P = 0.013); (3) High IC: only social inclusion/health services worked (B = -0.576, P = 0.029).

Age-friendly community environments are crucial for maintaining functional performance, with varying effects depending on IC level, highlighting the importance of developing tailored and personalized supportive environments to promote healthy aging.