3.K. Workshop: Challenges and opportunities for healthy ageing in Europe in the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing
Authors:   Organised by: WHO/Europe, Semmelweis University (Hungary),   Chair persons: Yongjie Yon (Denmark), Zoltán Ungvári (Hungary)
Published: October 2023

Abstract

With 19% of its population above 60, Europe is experiencing a rapid increase in ageing demographics, which presents unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare systems and society as a whole. 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. There is growing recognition that a causal relationship exists between biological mechanisms of ageing and pathogenesis of diverse age-related diseases. Experimental studies have identified interventions, including dietary interventions, that delay biological ageing, extend lifespan, and delay/prevent several age-related diseases. To promote healthy ageing, public health research must consider advancements in geroscience and develop interventions that target fundamental ageing processes, such as lifestyle risk factors, using newly developed biomarkers of ageing, while keeping cellular and molecular mechanisms of ageing in mind. This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities for healthy ageing in Europe, with a focus on the targets of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. The objectives are to provide an overview of novel discoveries in ageing research and their impact on public health practices, examine specific issues related to unhealthy ageing in Europe, showcase a holistic programme developed by a leading health sciences university in Hungary to promote healthy ageing, which integrates academic research, education, and health services with a focus on preventive interventions, and contextualize these discussions within the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. The added value of the workshop lies in bringing together experts and stakeholders from different fields to exchange knowledge and experience, promote collaboration, and identify practical solutions to improve healthy ageing in Europe. The coherence between the presentations lies in their common focus on promoting healthy ageing and their relevance to the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. The workshop format includes oral presentations and interactive discussions, providing a platform for participants to engage with each other and share their perspectives and insights. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities for healthy ageing in Europe and be able to identify practical steps to address them within the framework of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.

Key messages
• To promote healthy aging, a holistic approach is needed that considers geroscience discoveries and lifestyle, environmental, and occupational risk factors for age-related diseases.
• Studies on policies promoting healthy aging, including preventive services, workplace health promotion, and integrated care are needed, with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing providing a framework.