journal articles
DETERMINANTS OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE INTEGRATED CARE FOR OLDER PEOPLE (ICOPE) MODEL INTO HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS - INSIGHTS FROM HONG KONG AND MALAYSIA
Jean Woo, Sim Hui Kok, Ruby Yu
J Aging Res & Lifestyle 2026;15
Care of older people has evolved from comprehensive geriatric assessment developed in the hospital setting in the UK and USA, to using frailty as a summary indicator, and shifting care to the community following the World Health Organization’s definition of healthy ageing using intrinsic capacity (IC) as an indicator. While the concept of IC and implementation of its measurement through the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) model is generally accepted, there is wide variation in uptake into policy. The rate of population ageing, the existence of well-established health and social care systems for older people, and sustainability of healthcare financing through government, social insurance, or out-of-pocket mechanisms, may account for variation in uptake. Initiatives in incorporating ICOPE in Hong Kong and Malaysia are described as illustrations. ICOPE implementation would likely be facilitated by incorporation/adaptation into existing healthcare infrastructure, assisted by trained non-professional care workers or volunteers.
CITATION:
Jean Woo ; Sim Hui Kok ; Ruby Yu (2026): Determinants of the incorporation of the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) model into healthcare systems - insights from Hong Kong and Malaysia. The Journal of Aging and Lifestyle (JARLife). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarlif.2026.100061