Longevity

Ageing steps programme

Places the individual on a step, follows over time, and shows where support or treatment sits according to the step.

Pathway

The sequence followed in every assessment

Each step is completed in sequence. Product or treatment recommendations follow only after the stage and screening findings have been established. The vascular system is assessed at the same level as the other organ systems within the programme.

  1. Objective — preserve function and physiological reserve, supporting healthspan: the years in which function is preserved.
  2. Screening — five domains are assessed within the World Health Organization’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework: locomotion and balance, vitality, cognition, psychological capacity and sensory capacity.
  3. Stage — responses place the individual in one stage from A to F. Where several findings are present, the highest-severity threshold applies.
  4. System profile — at stage C and above, the organ systems associated with the decline are considered together.
  5. Plan — support and, where required, treatment are planned according to the needs identified. Products and services are introduced when there is a clinical rationale.
  6. Follow-up — reassessment takes place between three and twelve months using the same form and classification rule.

Stages

What stages A to F mean

Each stage defines the individual’s current status according to the screening result and sets the interval to the next assessment. Stage B captures mild findings before the frailty threshold is reached.

A

Preservation

Daily function is preserved, with no marked decline across the five domains. Lifestyle measures and periodic review are recommended. Next assessment: approximately twelve months, or when a new concern arises.

B

Early finding

Mild decline in one domain, or one to two Fried criteria. This represents an early or prefrailty finding. Early support and medical follow-up are recommended. Next assessment: six to twelve months.

C

Decline across several domains

Mild findings in two or more domains. Targeted support is planned, with separate assessment of the organ systems most affected. Next assessment: approximately six months.

D

Marked loss of capacity

Marked decline in at least one domain, below the frailty threshold. Treatment and support are planned together. Next assessment: three to six months.

E

Frailty

Three or more Fried criteria. Close multidisciplinary follow-up is required. Next assessment: three to six months.

F

Assistance with daily function

Assistance is required with personal care or activities of daily living (ADL). Rehabilitation, environmental adaptation and care planning take priority. Next assessment: three months, or according to clinical need.

System profile

Stage C and above: which systems are affected

Decline is seldom confined to one organ. Metabolism, immunity, the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and tissues are assessed within the same profile. One, several or none may be prominent in an individual. This profile does not alter the stage; it determines which areas take priority in the support and treatment plan.

  • Metabolic / endocrine
  • Immunity / inflammation
  • Muscle / skeletal
  • Neurological / cognition / sleep
  • Kidney / lung
  • Vascular
  • Tissue / wound

For the form and stage assignment, go to the individual assessment page. Scientific framework: long and healthy life. Related articles: ICOPE and intrinsic capacity, frailty and early warning signs, and healthspan and longevity stages.

Assessment

Complete the same form used by the programme classification rule and print the result.

Open the assessment

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