Intrinsic Capacity

The World Health Organization introduced the concept of intrinsic capacity as a strategy to promote healthy aging. Intrinsic Capacity and frailty are conceptually interconnected but distinct entities. As intrinsic capacities vary through the life course trajectory, the progressive onset of age-related decline in physiological systems that characterizes frailty may result from decreased reserves of intrinsic capacity. Raising awareness among health professionals, about potentially deleterious declines in intrinsic capacity that may lead to frailty, could avoid, delay, or even reverse frailty. The Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) approach empowers the individual to face the challenges of this decade to ensure healthy aging.