Boosting Longevity: The Impact of Intrinsic Capacity Among Older Adults in India

A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal has unveiled that stronger intrinsic capacity among older adults in India, specifically better cognition, good nutrition, and enhanced mobility, correlates with a reduced risk of death.

The research team analyzed data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India-Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia, involving 4096 older individuals. They found that intrinsic capacity, measuring mental and physical capabilities, was crucial in predicting mortality rates. Notably, the strongest predictors of survival were cognition, nutrition, and movement abilities.

This study highlights the importance of focusing on functional abilities rather than just diseases when formulating healthcare strategies for ageing populations in India. The findings also validate the World Health Organization's framework, suggesting that intrinsic capacity screening could help detect vulnerabilities in older adults in lower and middle-income countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)