Advances in epidemiological research on correlation between air pollution, climate change and intrinsic capacity of the elderly
- VernacularTitle:空气污染和气象因素与老年人内在能力关联的流行病学研究进展
- Author:
Ziyi LIANG
1
;
Sujuan CHEN
1
;
Guanhao HE
1
;
Wenjun MA
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: elderly; intrinsic capacity; air pollution; climate change; meteorological factor
- From: Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(8):994-1002
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
- Abstract: In the context of rapid global aging, the number of vulnerable elderly individuals who are sensitive to climate change and air pollution is increasing rapidly, potentially augmenting the burden of related diseases. The intrinsic capacity (IC) of the elderly refers to the comprehensive ability of individuals in physical, cognitive, and mental health aspects, typically encompassing 5 dimensions: cognitive status, motor ability, mental health, sensory function, and vitality. This article reviewed the advancements in epidemiological research on the effects of air pollution and climate change (including meteorological factors) on the overall intrinsic capacity of the elderly and its various dimensions. The results indicated that pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) are most significantly associated with the decline in the cognitive function and vitality dimensions, and extreme meteorological events like high temperatures are also related to the functional deterioration of each dimension of IC. Nevertheless, the current studies mostly focus on the impact of atmospheric environmental factors on a specific dimension of IC rather than on overall IC, and research on the combined exposure to multiple atmospheric factors is even rarer, and the exploration of associated mechanisms is insufficient. Future research should enhance the investigation of the influence and mechanism of the combined exposure to air pollution and climate change on the dynamic changes of IC, and promote multi-center research and transnational cooperation. This review is conducive to clarifying the potential impact of atmospheric environmental factors on the IC of the elderly, providing a scientific basis for formulating health intervention policies to address climate change and air pollution.
