Optimizing Healthy Ageing: The Impact of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Intrinsic Capacity in Older Adults

Background

Intrinsic capacity, a composite measure encompassing the physical and mental abilities of an individual, has emerged as a pivotal marker of healthy ageing. Put forth by the World Health Organization (WHO), this construct integrates multiple domains including vitality, cognition, psychological status, locomotion, vision, and hearing, reflecting an individual’s functional reserve and resilience. As populations age globally, understanding modifiable lifestyle factors that influence intrinsic capacity trajectories is critical for extending healthspan and reducing disability burden. Although physical activity is widely advocated for healthy ageing, the differential impact of various movement behaviors — particularly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary behavior — on intrinsic capacity remains insufficiently characterized in real-world older adult populations.

Study Design and Methods