The association between multimorbidity and intrinsic capacity decline among older adults: the mediating role of frailty.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intrinsic capacity (IC) proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) is the core indicator of healthy aging, directly affecting functional ability and quality of life in older adults. Both multimorbidity and frailty are linked to poor health outcomes. Although pairwise associations between these factors have been examined, their comprehensive interrelationship remains unexplored. This study aims to explore the mediating role of frailty in the association between multimorbidity and IC decline.

Methods

This population-based cross-sectional study included 468 individuals from community settings and nursing homes in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu Province (the WHO ICOPE Pilot in China). Age, gender, education, marital status, and nursing home residence were assessed at

SUBMITTER: Xiao L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12853617 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature