Implication of Integrated Care for Older People recommended by WHO

Abstract

With age, physical, mental, cognitive, and sensory functions deteriorate, leading to frailty among older people. Frailty is a condition that precedes the need for long-term care. It is a risk factor for falls, fractures, dementia, and stroke. The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates intrinsic capacity—the idea that it is possible to maintain function in old age, which increases healthy life expectancy. It has developed a tool called ICOPE to extend healthy life expectancy by preventing the decline of intrinsic capacity. ICOPE is used for implementing a comprehensive community-based approach, including interventions, to extend healthy life expectancy and support carers of older people. It is a valuable tool for long-term care prevention.