Background: To analyze the intrinsic capacity and relevant factors of the older adults in Kunshan community, and to provide a basis for enhancing the intrinsic capacity and functions of the older adults and reducing care dependence.
Methods: The present study retrospectively collected data on demographics, past medical history, nutritional status, and physical examination from August 2022 to September 2022 from older adults aged ≥60 years who were subjected to a field questionnaire in Kunshan town. The chi-square test was used to assess the differences between the different dimensions of intrinsic ability in different sex and age subgroups. Risk factors were recognized through univariate and multivariate logistic proportional hazard analyses.
Results: A total of 329 older adults completed the questionnaire and were enrolled in this study. The intrinsic capacity declined in 68.09% of older adults regarding the prevalence of hearing, vision, mobility, cognitive ability, psychological, and nutritional dimensions, respectively. A positive 5-times sit-up test was found to be positively associated with the reduced intrinsic capacity in the context of a physical examination (odds ratio [OR], 10.309; 95% CI, 5.076 to 20.833; P < .001). Additionally, older adults with a higher waist circumference exhibited a lower probability of reduced intrinsic capacity (OR, 0.541; 95% CI, 0.314 to 0.931; P = .026).
Conclusion: In the Kunshan community, 68.09% of older people were found to have reduced intrinsic capacity. A negative 5-times sit-up test and increased waist circumference have been identified as independent risk factors for reduced intrinsic capacity. This suggests that these factors have the potential to provide a quicker method of assessing intrinsic capacity.
Cite this article as: Xia J, Yang Y, Gao Q, et al. Analysis of intrinsic capacity and associated factors of the older adults in Kunshan community. Psychiatry Clin Psychopharmacol. Published online June 5, 2025. doi: 10.5152/pcp.2025.241014.