Stakeholder workshop 1:
afternoon session

This presentation provides an overview of efforts to coordinate ageing research in Europe and outline a context for future activities in this area. The background explores past and present coordination actions in the field before discussing the FUTURAGE project and work to develop the definitive ageing research Road Map. The broad disciplinary base within which the ageing process sits will be introduced, noting the interaction of biological and environmental factors on health and well-being in later life. In particular the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to ageing research will be emphasised, and a model from a successful programme in the UK will be presented.

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In the last century, most Western countries have experienced large increases in mean life expectancy, from around 50 years to around 80 years. This has been due to a marked reduction in early life mortality during the first half of the 20th century, followed by a less recognized almost two-fold reduction in mortality at ages above 70 in the last fifty years.

The remarkably plasticity of ageing has been demonstrated through demographic research while the merging of demography, epidemiology, genetics, geriatrics and many other disciplines can shed light on key questions such as: Will the increase in mean life expectancy continue? Does exceptional longevity lead to exceptional levels of disability? Are we living both longer and better? Why do women, who on average are more disabled than men, live longer? How important are genes, environment and chance for ageing and age-related diseases. The coordinated efforts of the many excellent ageing research groups in the EU can help more elderly to live longer in good health.

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