Subgrouping Community-Dwelling Older Adults by Intrinsic Capacity Decline—A Cluster Analysis Based on the WHO ICOPE Framework in Rural Taiwan

This study applied the WHO ICOPE framework to identify patterns of intrinsic capacity (IC) decline among community-dwelling older adults in rural Taiwan. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1,367 adults aged 65 and above using the ICOPE Step 1 screening tool, assessing six IC domains. Cluster analysis (<i>k</i>-means and hierarchical) identified distinct IC profiles. Eight IC subgroups were identified, ranging from robust (17.0%) to severely frail (6.9%). Sensory impairments (vision 49.1%, hearing 46.0%) were most common and often co-occurred with cognitive and mood impairments. Older age and multimorbidity were significantly associated with greater IC decline (<i>p</i> < .01).Findings highlight the heterogeneity of aging and suggest that tailored, cluster-based care strategies can enhance community health planning. The results support the implementation of ICOPE-based risk stratification models in local aging policies.