Intrinsic capacity (IC), representing an individual's full range of physical and mental abilities, is influenced by objective socioeconomic status (SES); however, the impact of subjective SES remains unclear.

This study aims to assess IC and investigate the relationship between SES and IC deficits, with a particular focus on the role of subjective SES.

Cross-sectional study

45 communities in two provinces in China

Community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults aged 50 and above

IC was assessed following the Integrated Care for Older People guideline. SES was measured through objective SES (education and occupation) and subjective SES (measured by MacArthur Scale). Ordinal logistic regression models were performed to estimate the association between SES and IC.

Among 3,058 participants (61.3 ± 8.05 years, 54.8 % women), 2,333 (76.3 %) showed deficits in at least one IC subdomain, particularly sensory (63.5 %), vitality (25.8 %) and cognition (18.4 %). A dose-response association was observed between SES and IC deficits. Individuals with high subjective SES (OR: 0.72, 0.60–0.87), high education (OR: 0.54, 0.38–0.75), and high occupation (OR: 0.64 0.50–0.81) exhibited lower IC deficits risk compared with counterparts. Individuals with high education and middle subjective SES or high occupation and middle subjective SES had 67 % (OR: 0.33, 0.18–0.60) and 49 % (OR: 0.51, 0.35–0.74) lower risk than those with low SES.

These findings suggest that individuals with low SES may be more vulnerable to IC deficits. Addressing social inequalities in the early assessment of IC is crucial for reducing health disparities and promoting healthy ageing.