Healthy Ageing & Longevity: More healthy years

Ageing is a natural process that everyone experiences - but how we age can be significantly influenced. In the discussion about ageing, the focus is therefore no longer just on prolonging life, but above all on the quality of the years gained. Growing older in good health means that people can maintain their physical, mental and social performance for as long as possible. The focus is less on the number of years lived and more on the ability to shape these years in a self-determined and fulfilling way.

Healthy age ing is a central component of modern health policy and is becoming increasingly important in view of demographic change. According to the WHO, the proportion of over-60s in the global population will double between 2020 and 2050. However, the quality of life in old age depends largely on whether the additional years of life are spent in good health or are characterized by limitations.

The terms healthy ageing and longevity are increasingly coming into focus in this context and describe two important aspects of a fulfilling life in old age:

Healthy Ageing:

• Focus on quality of life: Healthy ageing refers to maintaining physical, mental and social health in order to lead an active and fulfilling life in old age. It is about remaining independent and self-determined despite the ageing process.
• Objective: To promote the well-being and functionality of older people, not only by preventing and treating illness, but also by creating a supportive social and physical environment.
• Approach: Includes lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management and building social networks.

Longevity:

• Focus on longevity: Longevity refers to the extension of a person's lifespan, especially the healthy years. It is strongly linked to scientific and technological approaches.
• The aim is to extend the period in which people can live free of age-related illnesses. This involves investigating how biological ageing processes can be slowed down or even reversed.
• Approach: Scientific research, particularly in genetics, molecular biology, medicine and biotechnology. Topics such as telomere length, cell ageing, regenerative therapies and innovative drugs play a central role here.

Both approaches are geared towards making the years of life as healthy as possible. While Healthy Ageing describes the practical and everyday way in which people can positively influence their ageing, Longevity offers the scientific basis and long-term perspectives on how a longer and healthier lifespan can be achieved.

What factors can influence ageing? 

How we age is determined by a variety of factors. In addition to genetic influences, our environment, our lifestyle and natural changes in the body also play a decisive role. Here are a few examples:

• Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and sleep have the strongest influence on our well-being in old age. A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, antioxidants and healthy fats, regular exercise and sufficient sleep promote health at a cellular level and prevent chronic diseases. Avoiding harmful substances such as nicotine or alcohol makes a decisive contribution to quality of life in old age.
• Environmental factors such as UV radiation or air pollution can accelerate the ageing process. However, these factors can be influenced with conscious measures such as sun protection and a healthy living environment. 
• Physiological changes such as hormonal fluctuations, a weakening immune system or a slow metabolism are part of the natural ageing process. However, there are ways to actively counteract these changes - through targeted nutrition, strength training and, if necessary, medical support.
• Physical and social environments: Housing conditions, the availability of healthcare services and the social environment play a crucial role. For example, support networks and an accessible environment can help people to remain independent for longer.
• Preventive healthcare: Diseases can affect ageing in many ways, which is why early prevention and timely treatment of age-related diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis or cardiovascular diseases is essential. 

Conclusion

Healthy ageing is more than simply delaying getting older - it is a holistic approach that aims to promote quality of life at every stage of life. As demographic changes bring a growing number of older people, the focus is increasingly on how these years can be spent in a healthy, active and self-determined way.

Healthy Ageing and Longevity offer valuable perspectives: While Healthy Ageing focuses on practical measures to promote well-being and functionality, Longevity provides the scientific and technological basis for extending the healthy years of life. Both concepts make it clear that ageing does not necessarily have to be associated with illness or limitations.

However, the way we age is influenced by various factors - from our lifestyle and environment to genetic predispositions and preventive health care. By better understanding and actively using these influences, we can not only live longer, but above all spend the extra years in good health and with a high quality of life. Healthy ageing is a shared responsibility of individuals, society and politics - an investment in a more vital and stronger future for all.

Sources:

1 World Health Organization (WHO). (2023, October 11). *By 2024, the 65 and over age group will outnumber the youth group: New WHO report on healthy ageing*. WHO Regional Office for Europe.(https://www.who.int/europe/de/news/item/11-10-2023-by-2024--the-65-and-over-age-group-will-outnumber-the-youth-group--new-who-report-on-healthy-ageing)(https://www.who.int/europe/de/news/item/11-10-2023-by-2024--the-65-and-over-age-group-will-outnumber-the-youth-group--new-who-report-on-healthy-ageing

2 World Health Organization (WHO). (2015). *World report on ageing and health*. Geneva: WHO Press.)(https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/world-report-on-ageing-and-health)

3 World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). *Healthy Ageing*. WHO Factsheets. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health

4 Kirkwood, T. B. L. (2005). Understanding the odd science of aging. *Cell*, 120(4), 437-447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2005.01.027.(Example of cell biology research in aging).

5 Panagiotakos, D. B., et al. (2008). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and healthy ageing: Current evidence and future perspectives. *Maturitas*, 65(2), 85-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.05.010.