New knowledge created new strategies for healthy ageing, reflected in new policies. Determining policies, in more and more countries, has become a fiscal and political act, reacting to public and media pressures - and the elderly are generally a low priority. Healthy ageing policies have started looking more at practical proposals for interventions in health promotion in particular, and at cost benefit analysis and the functioning of health and social services. Messages Health promotion remains the focus of healthy ageing policies. Health promotion strategies are those related to lifestyle - personal choices made in socioeconomic contexts that influence the health prospects.
Preventive approaches have to be implemented at different periods of life span.
Even small investments into health pay off later in life. Educational and community-based programs can address lifestyles and behaviours conducive to health in a crosscutting way. These should be strengthened in the future. Community support networks help older people to function independently in their own environments. Primary care providers can identify individuals at risk of losing independence, supply information and provide referral to available services, if adequately trained.