With ageing, the function of organs and tissues declines, the physical function of the elderly gradually decreases, and some of them show a decline in activities of daily living or even disability. The World Health Organization put forward the concept of healthy ageing to break traditional stereotype of disease-free model, and focuse on maintaining functional ability, especially intrinsic capacity. In the paper, we summarize the multidimensional concept of intrinsic capacity, its relationship with frailty and resilience, and its effect on prediction for adverse health outcomes, so as to provide the references for its more appropriate screening, evaluation and intervention to support to be self-reliant at home for older people in communities.