Since 2025, the ICOPE program has been gradually rolled out in France for people aged 60 and older. Designed by the World Health Organization, it provides a regular assessment of six essential functions: mobility, nutrition, memory, vision, hearing, and psychological health.
The goal is simple: to identify changes early enough to take action at the right time, before they have a greater impact on daily life. But screening is only the first step. When a warning sign appears, it is still necessary to understand what it means, know who to turn to, and plan the next steps if multiple needs arise.
What is the ICOPE program?
ICOPE, which stands for Integrated Care for Older People, is a program developed by the World Health Organization to promote healthy aging.
In France, its nationwide rollout has been underway since the summer of 2025 as part of the policy to prevent the loss of independence. The stated national goal is to screen 2 million people by 2027.
What sets the program apart is its focus on a person’s functional abilities in daily life, rather than solely on the possible presence of a disease. In other words, the aim is to identify changes before a difficulty becomes a long-term issue.
What does the ICOPE test measure?
The first level of the program assesses six functions:
- Mobility
- Nutrition
- Memory
- The Vision
- The Hearing
- Mental Health
The questionnaire is free. It can be completed on your own, with a loved one, or with a trained professional—particularly using official digital tools listed in My Health Space. This assessment is not intended to provide a diagnosis. Its primary purpose is to identify any potential changes and, when appropriate, to explore the situation in greater depth.
What should you do when an alert appears?
This is an important point: an ICOPE alert is not a diagnosis.
It simply indicates that a particular function warrants closer attention. The first step, therefore, is to understand the situation: Does the person themselves notice a change? Does this change have an impact on their daily life? Is a further evaluation by a professional necessary?
Depending on the situation, the responses can vary widely: medical advice, support with mobility or nutrition, hearing or vision screenings, or adjustments to daily routines or the home environment, for example.
The key is not to jump to conclusions too quickly and to plan the next steps together with the person concerned, taking into account their priorities, habits, and pace.
Why is coordination important after screening?
A situation related to aging rarely fits into a single category.
A change that is identified may require consulting several professionals: a primary care physician, a nurse, a physical therapist, a hearing or vision specialist, a home care service, social workers, or home modification specialists.
The focus then shifts from “What solutions are available?” to: What does this person actually need, and how can the various responses be organized in a coherent manner? This is the whole point of care pathway coordination: starting with the person’s overall situation, identifying the relevant professionals, and coordinating the various interventions when necessary.
The assessment thus provides a starting point. Coordination makes it possible, if needed, to translate this assessment into concrete and understandable steps.
What role can Autonomia play?
Autonomia is not intended to replace the ICOPE program or healthcare professionals. Its role is to provide additional support when the situation calls for a better understanding of the available options, the identification of multiple solutions, or the coordination of various stakeholders around the individual.
An Autonomia Advisor can, in particular, help with:
- Take stock of the overall situation
- Identify the person's needs and priorities
- Find the right solutions and professionals
- Simplify certain procedures
- Coordinate the various stakeholders
- Adjust the support as the situation changes
The goal is not to make decisions for the person, but to provide clear guidance to help them make their own choices and, as much as possible, maintain their abilities and lifestyle.
ICOPE: Key Takeaways
The ICOPE program allows people aged 60 and older to regularly assess six essential functional abilities. It is based on a simple idea: the earlier a change is detected, the more time there is to calmly consider how to address it. When a warning sign is identified, it prompts a more in-depth assessment of the situation.
It does not, on its own, constitute a diagnosis. And when multiple needs arise, coordinated support can help clarify the path forward and identify the right people to contact.
ICOPE in 6 Questions
Want to quickly understand how the program works?
Check out our fact sheet, “ICOPE in 6 Questions,” for the key information you need to know: who is eligible, which abilities are assessed, how to access the test, and what steps to take after receiving an alert.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ICOPE Program
At what age can you take the ICOPE test?
The program is for people aged 60 and older.
Is the ICOPE test free?
Yes.
The screening can be done for free, on your own, with a loved one, or with a trained professional
.
What does the ICOPE test measure?
It provides an overview of six essential abilities: mobility, nutrition, memory, vision, hearing, and psychological health.
How do I access the ICOPE test?
The test is available through official, free digital tools listed in My Health Space. You can also talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about it.
Can you take the ICOPE test with a family member?
Yes.
A person can take the test alone or be accompanied by a family member or a trained professional.
What does an ICOPE alert mean, and what should you do next?
An alert is not a diagnosis. It indicates that a particular area deserves closer attention. Depending on the situation, a further assessment may be helpful in identifying the next steps
to take with the person concerned.
Does Autonomia administer the ICOPE test?
Autonomia is not intended to replace the ICOPE program or the assessment conducted by healthcare professionals. Its role is to serve as a complementary tool when there is a need to better understand the available options, identify solutions, and coordinate the efforts of various stakeholders around the individual.
