Foundations & Measurement
External empirical finding · Foundational · 2019
Multidimensional capacity can be studied as a latent construct
In an English longitudinal aging sample, commonly available measures shared variance consistent with one general intrinsic-capacity factor and five subfactors.
Research basis
Structural-equation and factor analysis with longitudinal outcome testing. 2,560 ELSA participants aged over 60 were included in the baseline factor analyses; 2,352 had the follow-up outcome data used for the longitudinal analysis.
What it supports
Studying multidimensional capacity as an overall construct with subdomains while retaining environment and functional ability as distinct.
Boundary
BOL's exact three dimensions, a leader population, or a complete universal intrinsic-capacity instrument.
BOL relevance
Supports the measurement logic of a latent, multidimensional capacity construct. The BOL structure still requires its own construct validation.
Source class
Peer-reviewed research
Role in BOL
Foundational
Population context
Older or clinical population
Evidence basis
Objectively measured or experimentally assessed
Endpoint
Activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and incident care dependence
Result and methodology checked 26 July 2026.