biostudies-literatureZheng TNational Social Science Fund of China33https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12775099biostudies-literatureUnknown38(1)<h4>Background</h4>The growing population of older adults in China has drawn attention to the significant disparities in health resources and overall health status exist between urban and rural older adults. Intrinsic capacity (IC), a key indicator of comprehensive health levels in older adults, plays a crucial role in achieving healthy aging. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the inequality in IC among Chinese older adults from an urban-rural divide perspective, identify the factors influencing these inequalities, and decompose the sources of inequality.<h4>Methods</h4>On the basis of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 7,695 adults aged 60 years and above were included. Concentration curves and concentration index (CI) were used to measure ecoAging clinical and experimental researchMeasuring and decomposing inequalities in intrinsic capacity among older adults in china: from an urban-rural divide perspective.PMC1277509922BSH112Shangjun LShuqin XChenyang LYanyan ZLiwei JJiaqi DZheng TfalseMeasuring and decomposing inequalities in intrinsic capacity among older adults in china: from an urban-rural divide perspective.<h4>Background</h4>The growing population of older adults in China has drawn attention to the significant disparities in health resources and overall health status exist between urban and rural older adults. Intrinsic capacity (IC), a key indicator of comprehensive health levels in older adults, plays a crucial role in achieving healthy aging. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the inequality in IC among Chinese older adults from an urban-rural divide perspective, identify the factors influencing these inequalities, and decompose the sources of inequality.<h4>Methods</h4>On the basis of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 7,695 adults aged 60 years and above were included. Concentration curves and concentration index (CI) were used to measure eco2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Dec2026-06-06T12:32:39.283Z2026-05-30T03:11:10.199ZS-EPMC127750994146046010.1007/s40520-025-03284-1