Improving physical and mental ability to keep older adults independent in Singapore
Optimizing INtrinsic Capacity for Functional INdependence and to Impede FrailTY in Older Adults: Adaptation of the WHO-ICOPE for Healthy Ageing in Singapore
This program will test whether regular combined screening and targeted care using apps and clinical referrals helps Singaporean adults aged 60+ stay independent and slow frailty.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sengkang General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Trial ID | NCT07477561 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The program combines routine screening for frailty and intrinsic capacity with a tiered care pathway that offers technology-assisted self-screening, remote monitoring, behavioural nudges, and clinical referrals for those with identified needs. It uses tools such as the SCREENii algorithm for objective frailty assessment and the ENGAGE app for ongoing self-monitoring and engagement. Participants are randomized to immediate intervention or a wait-list control and outcomes are tracked primarily by changes in life-space mobility, with secondary measures including screening uptake, adherence to care pathways, quality of life, and implementation sustainability. The study also includes preparatory phases to establish technology readiness, care pathways, and community partnerships to support scale-up.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Community-dwelling Singapore citizens or permanent residents aged 60 or older who can provide informed consent and are able to participate in app-based and clinic-based components are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Residents of sheltered or nursing homes, non-Singaporeans, those under 60, or people unable to consent or engage with remote tools are unlikely to benefit from this community-focused program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help older adults maintain independence, reduce functional decline, and improve quality of life through earlier detection and timely support.
How similar studies have performed: Previous multicomponent frailty and WHO-ICOPE–based programs have shown promising but mixed results, and technology-enabled community delivery represents a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: (in Phases 1, 2 and 3): * Any Singaporean or Permanent Resident (PR) aged 60 years and above * Able to provide informed consent (or legally acceptable representative available) Exclusion Criteria (in Phases 1, 2 and 3): * Non-Singaporeans or non-PRs under 60 years of age * Residents of sheltered or nursing homes
Where this trial is running
Singapore
- Sengkang General Hospital — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura Bee Gek Tay — Sengkang General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Denise Qian Ling Chua
- Email: infinity.icope@singhealth.com.sg
- Phone: 6580927146
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.