Purpose <p>To develop a scoring system for vitality capacity, which is considered a physiological determinant underlying intrinsic capacity, for the older adults.</p> Methods <p>Nine parameters were used to construct the scoring system, with each parameter scored 1 to 4. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate its relationship with four types of chronic diseases and 2 types of impaired physical function.</p> Results <p>A total of 3701 older Chinese adults were included (mean age: 67.6&#xa0;years, men: 51.3%). The median score of vitality capacity was 25.9 points. Higher vitality capacity was related to a better cardiometabolic profile (all <i>P</i> ≤ 0.01). Vitality capacity but not its individual component was consistently and significantly associated with decreased odds of all the 4 types of chronic diseases, and all the 2 types of impaired physical function.</p> Conclusion <p>The 36-point scoring system for vitality capacity assessment showed superiority over its components to reflect the health wellbeing.</p>