Association between relative fat mass, estimated pulse wave velocity and intrinsic capacity among the older people

Abstract Background China’s accelerating population aging has led to the challenge of intrinsic capacity (IC) decline. This study aims to investigate relationship of estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV), relative fat mass (RFM) and IC in the older adults. Methods This study is based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), including 2,598 individuals aged 60 and above from 2011 to 2015. Cross-lagged models and generalized estimation equation were employed to assess the associations between ePWV, RFM, and IC. Results Elevated ePWV showed significantly poorer IC (B = -0.047, 95% CI: -0.087 to -0.008, P = 0.020), while increased RFM demonstrated better IC (B = 0.020, 95% CI: 0.010 to 0.031, P < 0.001). Furthermore, ePWV was significantly associated with poorer cognitive function, reduced locomotor activity, impaired respiratory function, severe sensory deficits, and a lower risk of depression. Moreover, RFM was linked to superior cognitive performance, reduced depressive symptoms, enhanced respiratory function, increased handgrip strength, better sensory function, and decreased locomotor activity. In non-hypertensive individuals, ePWV showed no significant association with IC. Among hypertensive subjects, RFM was not significantly correlated with IC or cognitive function. Cross-lagged model demonstrated that baseline RFM (β = 0.428, P < 0.001) and ePWV (β = -0.091, P < 0.001) significantly predicted IC at follow-up. Conclusion The study found that ePWV is negatively correlated with IC, while RFM is positively associated with IC in the older people. The findings enable development of targeted interventions by healthcare providers focusing on adjustable determinants to slow IC decline.