About the ICOPE Program

The Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) program is an innovative health-promotion approach developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This program aims to support healthy aging by emphasizing prevention, proactive assessment of needs, and personalised support for older adults in order to preserve their autonomy for as long as possible.

The ICOPE program was designed by the WHO in response to global demographic challenges related to population aging. It is an international program implemented in several countries.

In Quebec, the program is adapted to fit the local realities and practices of the health-care system. This adaptation takes into account the cultural, linguistic, and organizational specificities of the Quebec system while respecting the fundamental principles established by the WHO.

Intrinsic Capacities:
The Heart of the ICOPE Approach

At the heart of the ICOPE program is the monitoring of intrinsic capacities, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the combination of physical and mental abilities needed to maintain autonomy as we age.

The ICOPE program focuses on six intrinsic capacities:

Motor Capacity

The ability to move independently within one’s environment.

Cognitive Capacity

The ability to think, remember and make decisions.

Psychological Capacity

Psychological well-being, including symptoms of depression, anxiety or loss of interest.

Visual Capacity

The ability to see clearly, including with corrective lenses.

Auditory Capacity

The ability to hear and take part in a normal conversation.

Nutritional Capacity

The ability to eat well, maintain a healthy weight and prevent malnutrition.

Partner With Us

The ICOPE project (Integrated Care for Older People) is a mobilizing initiative focused on the well-being, autonomy, and quality of life of older adults. To ensure its success and integration across settings, we invite a variety of stakeholders to engage as partners.

The program promotes a positive approach: taking care of the key functions that allow us to remain active, independent, and healthy. Tips below.

We aim to collaborate with a wide range of environments and organizations interested in improving integrated care for older adults, including:

Community organizations working with seniors;

EÉSAAD teams (social economy enterprises offering home support services);

Clinical settings (medical clinics, Family Medicine Groups, CLSCs);

CIUSSS and CISSS, at local or regional levels;

Local service networks and intersectoral consultation tables;

Frontline and specialized health professionals;

Universities, CEGEPs, and training or educational centres with an interest in gerontology, interdisciplinarity, or the implementation of innovative practices.
By joining the ICOPE project, you contribute to:

Supporting the early detection of functional decline in older adults;

Promoting a preventive, autonomy-centred, and quality-of-life-focused approach;

Gaining access to clinical tools, training, and support based on WHO guidelines;

Strengthening intersectoral collaboration between the health network, community organizations, and the education sector;

Participating in a structured approach to innovation and continuous improvement of practices.
Express your interest by contacting our team.

Take part in an exploratory meeting to discuss potential collaboration.

Work with us to determine your level of involvement (one-time collaboration, pilot implementation, deployment support, etc.).

Join a committed community working to meaningfully transform the aging experience.

ICOPE Committee

To ensure the quality of the ICOPE program, we work with a scientific committee made up of experts in each area of intrinsic capacity. These specialists guide our work, review our tools, and make sure that everything we offer is safe, reliable, and based on the best available knowledge.

Their role is to help us support healthy aging by providing clear recommendations and ensuring that each step of the program meets the highest standards.

Scientific Director

Dr. Gustavo Duque

McGill University / Schouela CEDurable

Email Dr Duque

Project Manager - ICOPE Program

Anna Andrianova

Schouela CEDurable

Email Anna

Clinical Coordinator - ICOPE Program

Noémie Dulac

Schouela CEDurable

Email Noémie