Boosting Well-being: A Physiotherapy-Led Approach to Enhance Intrinsic Capacity in Older Adults

The Challenge of Declining Intrinsic Capacity

As we age, maintaining our physical and mental abilities—what experts call "intrinsic capacity" (IC)—becomes increasingly challenging. This decline, impacting areas like mobility, cognition, vitality, vision, hearing, and psychological well-being, affects a significant portion of older adults, hindering their independence and quality of life.

Studies reveal a concerning prevalence of IC decline, ranging from 50% to over 80%. The most affected areas vary by region, underscoring the need for personalized, culturally sensitive care strategies.

Introducing PTICOPE: A Personalized Approach

Recognizing this growing global concern, researchers are developing the Physiotherapy-led Person-Centered Integrated Care for Older People (PTICOPE) program in Malaysia. Based on the World Health Organization's ICOPE framework, PTICOPE aims to bolster IC and empower older adults to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Unlike existing models, PTICOPE offers a tailored approach specifically designed for the Malaysian context. It incorporates the Health Belief Model to encourage proactive health behaviors and improve self-efficacy among participants.

The PTICOPE Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 70 community-dwelling older adults aged 60-75 will evaluate PTICOPE's effectiveness. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the PTICOPE module workbook with guided use, and a control group receiving general IC information and self-care advice.

The study will measure changes in IC domains at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks using validated tools. Secondary outcomes include quality of life and activities of daily living. Rigorous data analysis will assess the program's impact.

Developing and Validating PTICOPE

The PTICOPE module is being meticulously crafted and validated. A team of multidisciplinary experts, including physiotherapists, geriatricians, and psychologists, are reviewing its content, ensuring it's comprehensive and culturally relevant. Older adults are also providing valuable feedback to ensure clarity and ease of use.

Strengths and Limitations of the Study

A key strength of PTICOPE is its focus on personalized care, tailored to the unique needs of older adults in Malaysia. The involvement of multidisciplinary experts and older adults in the development process ensures relevance and effectiveness.

However, since the study focuses on one region of Malaysia, generalizability may be limited. Participant adherence and potential attrition are also being addressed through regular communication and follow-up.

Looking Ahead: Future Directions

Future research will expand PTICOPE's reach to other regions of Malaysia and assess its long-term impact. Exploring digital formats could further enhance accessibility for underserved communities.

Empowering Older Adults: PTICOPE's Promise

PTICOPE holds immense promise for improving the well-being of older adults in Malaysia. By promoting intrinsic capacity, this program has the potential to empower older adults to live more independently, enhance their quality of life, and reduce the burden on caregivers and the healthcare system.