Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care · Oct 27, 2026

Intrinsic capacity decline and self-rated health in patients ≥ 65 years: a survey in general practice waiting rooms in Norway

By Sebjørnsen I, Bakken MS, Hjörleifsson S et al.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of, and factors associated with, intrinsic capacity (IC) decline among older adults in Norwegian general practice. Second, to assess how IC decline relates to self-rated health (SRH). DESIGN AND SETTING: Survey examination in general practice waiting rooms in Norway in 2025. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged ≥ 65 years. MEASUREMENTS: IC decline within six domains (cognition, locomotion, vitality, vision, hearing and psychological well-being) was assessed using a modified version of the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Step 1 screening tool. SRH was recorded on a Likert scale. Poisson regression was used to examine associations between demographic covariates and IC decline, and between IC decline and poor SRH. RESULTS: The study included 2154 respondents (54% females); 44% aged 65-74, 44% aged 75-84 and 11% ≥ 85 years. The overall prevalence of IC decline was 60%. Hearing loss (31%), limited mobility (23%) and malnutrition (21%) were predominant. Across domains, decline was associated with higher age and financial difficulties. Individuals with decline in ≥ 1 domain(s) were more likely to report poor SRH (RR 4.51, 95% CI 3.05-6.67), and likelihood increased by number of affected domains. Depressive symptoms and limited mobility showed the strongest independent associations with poor SRH (RR 3.84, 95% CI 2.92-5.05 and RR 2.55, 95% CI 1.94-3.35, respectively). CONCLUSION: The IC approach appears relevant to Norwegian general practice. Our findings highlight important target areas for preserving function in a growing older population. Whether and how ICOPE can be integrated into Norwegian primary care requires further study.

doi.org/10.1080/02813432.2026.2748805Open accessPubMed 42937179Populations