A Cross-Sectional Study on the Status Quo of the Intrinsic Capacity of the Rural Elderly in Liaoning Province

Abstract

Aim: This study reveals the status quo of the intrinsic capacity of the rural elderly in Liaoning Province and its distribution in different demographic groups, and provides an empirical basis for the subsequent formulation of precise rural elderly health intervention strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to investigate 980 rural elderly individuals aged 65 and above in Liaoning Province in 2025. The World Health Organization Integrated Care (ICOPE) guidelines were used to assess the five dimensions of the intrinsic capacity (locomotion, cognition, psychological, vitality, and sensory capacity), and sociodemographic information was collected. Chi-square tests revealed statistically significant differences in the prevalence of intrinsic capacity decline across all demographic subgroups examined. Results: Among the participants, 74.0% of the rural elderly had a decrease in intrinsic capacity. Declines in the locomotion dimension were observed in 67.7% of participants, and declines in the sensory dimension were observed in 22.3% of participants. The distribution of decline varied across demographic subgroups, which declines were observed among females, those with lower education levels, non-married individuals, and those living alone. Multiple dimensional declines were observed, with 34.1% of participants experiencing decline in two or more dimensions. Conclusions: The intrinsic capacity of the rural elderly generally decreased, with variations in distribution across demographic subgroups. The findings provide descriptive information that may inform the development of health services for rural older adults.

Keywords

Intrinsic capacity / Older adults / Rural areas / Cross-sectional study / Healthy aging

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