Summary
The Healthy ageing section addresses the pressing public health challenge posed by the ageing population in Europe, the WHO European Region and beyond. By aligning with the goals of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, which aims to promote healthy ageing, reduce health inequalities, improve access to integrated and long-term care and enhance the well-being of older adults, the proposed Section seeks to actively contribute to the objectives of this global initiative. The Section on Healthy Ageing will adopt a multidisciplinary approach to bridge the gap between geroscience discoveries and their translation into public health practice. It will address the challenges associated with unhealthy ageing, including the impact of lifestyle factors, social determinants of health, and the accessibility of public health and health care (among them long-care) services. By focusing on evidence-based strategies, preventive measures, and interventions, the section aims to promote healthy ageing trajectories and alleviate the burden of age-associated diseases and functional decline among older adults, i.e. through research, policy advocacy, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives, the Section on Healthy Ageing will work towards achieving the goals of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. By fostering interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaborations among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from various fields, the section will promote healthy ageing practices and advance the well-being of older adults. By actively engaging in these endeavors, the Section on Healthy Ageing will play a pivotal role in creating an integrated approach to planning and service delivery with a focus on improving cross-sectoral coordination and alignment in the provision of a continuum of health services including the essential public health services thereby improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
Population Ageing in the European region
With 19% of its population above 60, Europe is experiencing a rapid increase in ageing demographics, which presents unique challenges and opportunities for public health, healthcare systems and society as a whole. The challenges posed by population ageing include increased prevalence of chronic age-associated diseases, functional decline, loss of independence, social isolation, healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. In harmony with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) aligned with the last ten years of the Sustainable Development Goals, the WHO document on "Healthy Ageing" emphasizes that developing and maintaining functional ability enables older people to remain a resource to their families, communities, and economies, representing a paradigm shift where healthy ageing is viewed as an opportunity rather than a challenge to society. Basic science breakthroughs in geroscience have revolutionized how we think about ageing in biological terms and raised the question of how to translate these discoveries into public health practice to enhance programmes promoting healthy ageing. Studies have identified interventions - including dietary interventions - that extend healthy lifespan by preventing or delaying the onset of several age-related diseases and of losses in functioning. To promote healthy ageing, in addition to diminishing the harmful effects of lifestyle risk factors public health research must consider advancements in geroscience and develop interventions that target fundamental ageing processes. A dedicated Healthy Ageing Section within EUPHA would allow for a comprehensive and coordinated response to these challenges, promoting healthy ageing in Europe, with a focus on the targets of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. The Section on Healthy Ageing will bring together experts and stakeholders from different fields to exchange knowledge and experience, promote collaboration among EUPHA Sections especially with sections on Chronic diseases, Digital health, Environment and health, Ethics in public health, Food and nutrition, Foresight, Health literacy, Health services research, Health workforce research, Infectious diseases control, Injury prevention and safety promotion, Public health economics, Public health epidemiology, Public health genomics, Public health monitoring and reporting, Public health policy and politics, Public mental health, and Social security, work and health to facilitate concerted actions for healthy ageing in Europe and beyond.
Unhealthy Ageing and Age-Associated Diseases
Unhealthy ageing is characterized by accelerated biological ageing and the development of preventable health conditions and age-associated diseases. Lifestyle factors play a significant role in determining the trajectory of ageing and the onset of age-associated diseases. Unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate social engagement have been strongly linked to an increased risk of unhealthy ageing. It is important to acknowledge that unhealthy ageing is not distributed evenly across populations and can be influenced by social and economic factors, leading to health inequities not only among older individuals, but in the society as a whole. Those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged may face greater barriers to accessing healthy lifestyle resources, such as nutritious food, opportunities for leisure time physical activity, as well as public health and healthcare services. As a result, they may experience a higher burden of age-associated diseases and premature ageing. Chronic age-associated diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic conditions, contribute significantly to the burden of unhealthy ageing. These diseases not only impact the health and well-being of older individuals but also place a significant strain on healthcare systems, exacerbating existing health inequalities.
Recognizing the urgent need to address these disparities, the proposed Section on Healthy Ageing aims to focus on healthy ageing strategies and preventive measures. By adopting a comprehensive approach, this Section intends to reduce the burden of age-associated diseases and promote the overall well-being of older adults, while also addressing the underlying factors that contribute to health inequities among ageing populations. Through research, policy advocacy, and collaborative initiatives, the Section will strive to promote equitable access to public health services, integrated healthcare including long-term care services, interventions, and social support systems, ensuring that healthy ageing practices are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. By targeting the root causes of health inequalities in ageing populations, the Section on Healthy Ageing will work towards a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to age healthily and enjoy a good quality of life. Furthermore, the Section will emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications and interventions that empower individuals to adopt healthy behaviors, such as promoting leisure time physical activity, encouraging a balanced diet, supporting smoking cessation and controlled alcohol consumption, and fostering social engagement. By addressing the link between lifestyle and unhealthy ageing, the Section aims to empower individuals to make positive choices that can contribute to healthier ageing trajectories and reduce the burden of age-associated diseases. By promoting age-friendly physical and social environments, the Section aims to improve quality of life and access to high-quality, integrated health and long-term care services for all older person through stronger multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Linking to the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing
The proposed Section on Healthy Ageing aligns with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, which aims to improve the lives of people and address the challenges associated with population ageing. This global strategy includes multisectoral action for a life-course approach to healthy ageing to foster both longer and healthier lives. By establishing this section, EUPHA can actively contribute to the goals of the UN Decade, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among public health experts working in the field of healthy ageing. This synergy will enhance the effectiveness of initiatives and policies aimed at promoting healthy ageing throughout the EU and beyond.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Translating Geroscience Discoveries into Public Health Practice
To effectively address the complexities of healthy ageing, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. The proposed Section on Healthy Ageing will encourage collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from various disciplines, including geroscience, preventive medicine and clinical disciplines focusing also on the prevention of age-associated diseases, social sciences, city planning and technology. This interdisciplinary collaboration will facilitate the translation of geroscience discoveries into public health practice, promoting evidence-based interventions, and innovative solutions to enhance healthy ageing.
Focus and Strategy of the Section on Healthy Ageing
The Section will focus on the following areas:
- Research and Evidence: Promote research on healthy ageing, age-associated diseases, and interventions to improve well-being among older adults. Encourage the generation of high-quality evidence including disaggregated data on ageing to guide public health policies and practices on healthy ageing and long-term care as well as evaluations.
- Policy and Advocacy: Advocate for policies that prioritize healthy ageing, address ageism, mental health of older persons, support age-friendly environments, as well as policy guidance on the development and reform of health and long-term care systems and services to promote integrated and people-centered service delivery. Collaborate with policymakers at international and national levels to ensure healthy ageing remains a priority on the public health agenda.
- Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building: Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among public health experts, researchers, and practitioners in the field of healthy ageing and long-term care. Organize conferences, workshops, and training programs to enhance capacity in promoting healthy ageing strategies.
- Collaborative Initiatives: Foster collaboration among stakeholders, including academia, public health professionals, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and industry partners. Support the development of collaborative initiatives also at EUPHA Sections level that aim to implement evidence-based interventions and innovative solutions for healthy ageing and long-term care.
- Dissemination and Communication: Disseminate research findings, best practices, and policy recommendations related to healthy ageing through publications, reports, online and offline platforms. Enhance public awareness of healthy ageing and promote positive attitudes towards ageing.
