Association between intrinsic capacity and healthy ageing among community-dwelling older adults in India: A cross-sectional study using the WHO ICOPE framework

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified intrinsic capacity (IC) as a key component of healthy ageing. However, evidence examining the association between intrinsic capacity and healthy ageing remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To examine the association between multidomain intrinsic capacity impairment and healthy ageing among community-dwelling older adults in India, and to evaluate the relative contribution of individual intrinsic capacity domains to healthy ageing. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 809 adults aged ≥ 60 years residing in Delhi-NCR, India. Intrinsic capacity was assessed using the WHO Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework and Healthy ageing using a multidimensional index. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between intrinsic capacity and healthy ageing after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Among 809 participants, the mean age was 69.4 years (SD 7.7), and 52.7% were female Each additional impaired intrinsic capacity domain was associated with a 1.87-point reduction in Healthy Ageing Index score (β = −1.87, 95% CI: −2.68 to − 1.05; p < 0.001). Among individual intrinsic capacity domains, psychological impairment showed the strongest independent association with poorer healthy ageing (β = −12.41, 95% CI: −14.69 to − 10.12; p < 0.001), followed by locomotor (β = −3.41, 95% CI: −5.36 to − 1.46; p = 0.001) and sensory impairment (β = −2.87, 95% CI: −4.63 to − 1.12; p = 0.001). Multidomain intrinsic capacity impairment was independently associated with poorer healthy ageing, with psychological, locomotor, and sensory impairments showing the strongest contribution. Routine multidomain assessment of intrinsic capacity within the WHO ICOPE framework may help identify older adults at risk of poorer healthy ageing and inform person-centred assessment and care planning.