Estrategia de intervención para la estimulación de la capacidad intrínseca en adultos mayores del centro de salud Los Lojas

Abstract

Abstract: Population aging poses challenges for primary health care, particularly in rural communities with limited access to specialized services. This study aimed to evaluate changes in intrinsic capacity among older adults following a multidimensional intervention based on the World Health Organization s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) model. A quasi-experimental before-and-after study was conducted with 80 older adults attending the Los Lojas Health Center, Daule, Ecuador; 79 completed the intervention and post-intervention assessment. Over four months, individualized interventions addressed cognitive, locomotor, vitality, psychological, and sensory domains. Assessments included ICOPE, MoCA, SPPB, MNA, PHQ-9, Barthel Index, and Lawton-Brody Scale. A significant reduction in overall intrinsic capacity impairment was observed (p<0.001), with the greatest changes in cognitive and locomotor domains. Severe impairment decreased from 20.3% to 3.8%, while sensory impairment persisted. These findings support the applicability of ICOPE-based strategies within rural primary health care settings.