Human development and ageing

The number of Europeans aged over 65 is expected to nearly double from 85 million in 2008 to 151 million by 2060, and the number of those over 80 is expected to rise from 22 to 61 million in the same period.

Reducing or containing costs so that they do not become unsustainable depends partly on improving the lifelong health and well-being of all and therefore on the effective prevention, treatment and management of disease and disability.

Due to higher life expectancy the age and population structure in Europe will change. Therefore, research furthering lifelong health, active ageing and well-being for all will be a cornerstone of the successful adaptation of societies to demographic change.

Research on human development and ageing includes:

• determining the biomarkers of ageing
• understanding the developmental processes of long-lived organisms throughout their lives
• studying the immune system in old age
• establishing a roadmap on ageing research in Europe
• increasing the participation of eldery in clinical trials
• studying determinants of ageing and longevity and the role of environment
• building a consensus definition of frailty