Intrinsic Capacity and Life Quality Among Taiwanese Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study

OTJR (Thorofare N J). 2024 Dec 19:15394492241304323. doi: 10.1177/15394492241304323. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Intrinsic capacity (IC), an internal composite ability proposed by the World Health Organization, is fundamental to older people's health. The present study examined potential models explaining the association between IC and quality of life (QoL) among older people in Taiwan. Frailty, basic activities of daily living (BADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were hypothesized to be mediators in the association between IC and QoL. Older people aged 50 years or above from community or medical center (N = 1,235; Mage = 72.63 years [SD = 7.19]; 601 males [48.7%]) completed a series of self-report and functional measures assessing IC, frailty, ADLs, and QoL. Results showed that IC was significantly associated with frailty, BADL, IADL, and QoL in the mediation models. Frailty was found to be a significant mediator in the association between IC and QoL alone or together with IADL. The findings indicate that IC is an important factor for older people to maintain good health and live a fulfilling life.

Keywords: activities of daily living; frailty; intrinsic capacity; older adults; quality of life.

Plain language summary

Understanding How Physical Weakness and Daily Activities Influence Life Quality and Health Abilities in Older Taiwanese AdultsThe World Health Organization has identified a set of health-related abilities, known as intrinsic capacity (IC) that are crucial for quality of life (QoL) of older adults. However, it remains unclear as to how IC is associated with QoL, and this study provided empirical evidence to help better understand the underlying mechanisms between IC and QoL. A group of 1,235 older adults, with an average age of 72.63 years, from several communities and one medical center in Taiwan participated in this study. We used different measures in a standardized interview procedure to understand older people’s IC, QoL, frailty, and activities of daily living (ADL). The researchers then used advanced statistical methods to better understand the associations between IC, QoL frailty, and ADL. The findings showed a clear connection between the participants’ health abilities and their physical frailty, daily task performance, and life satisfaction. Notably, physical frailty was a key factor linking health abilities to life satisfaction, either on its own or combined with the ability to perform complex daily tasks. This study highlights the importance of maintaining health abilities to ensure a high QoL among older adults.