Resilience and Intrinsic Capacity in Older Adults: A Review of Recent Literature

Abstract

Aging involves a progressive decline in physiological functions, increasing vulnerability to disorders, functional decline, and disability. Emphasizing resilience and intrinsic capacity offers a proactive framework for promoting successful aging and quality of life. This narrative review selected significant articles published within the last five years on resilience, especially physical resilience, and intrinsic capacity, along with earlier relevant works. Articles were primarily searched in English using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, employing relevant terms with Boolean operators (“AND”, “OR”). Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed conceptual, observational, and interventional studies on resilience and/or intrinsic capacity in adults over 60, published between 2020 and 2025, highlighting how the inclusion of geriatric evaluation improves health outcomes. Studies not focused on older adults, outside the date range, or non-English articles were excluded. Out of 145 references, 43 articles met the inclusion criteria. ResEvidence suggests that resilience (a dynamic response to stressors) and intrinsic capacity (baseline reserves across locomotion, vitality, cognition, sensory, and psychological domains) are interconnected, with resilience being associated with better health outcomes, a lower prevalence of chronic diseases, and greater mental health stability. Incorporating assessments of resilience and intrinsic capacity into clinical workflows could support targeted interventions; routine screening may guide personalized exercise and psychosocial plans to help prevent functional decline. Utilizing brief, validated tools (e.g., Short Physical Performance Battery, handgrip strength, Geriatric Depression Scale, brief cognitive tests, and resilience scales) can inform interventions such as physical activity, nutritional support, deprescribing, and psychosocial engagement, which may support healthier aging trajectories.