A new look at ageing in Europe

Beyond documenting the impacts of specific diseases, researchers are using environmental and social factors to investigate the trends in ageing populations across Europe.

A combination of medical, social and technological advances has enabled Europeans to lead a long and more active life. By 2025 almost 30 % of the population will be over 60, prompting the EU-funded project 'Collaborative research on ageing in Europe' (Courage in Europe) to investigate ageing on the continent. The project investigated age, life expectancy and health in Spain, Poland and Finland to garner a more representative sample of ageing and social security on an international scale.

Essentially, Courage in Europe worked on articulating assessment tools to measure key health indicators in the general population using available studies and resources. It analysed existing data on these countries, considerably advancing survey methodology on ageing to assess non-fatal mental and physical health outcomes, as well as quality of life and well-being. This was based on cutting-edge analytical methods that would pave the way for more comprehensive studies across Europe.

To achieve its objectives, the project based its surveys and assessment tools on the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) model. Using the ICF framework enables a more objective definition of health, even if quality of life is a subjective matter. In this manner the project was able to develop three novel assessment tools that accurately capture the features of the built environment and social networks and a survey protocol for European ageing studies.

More details can be found at the following link: http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=OFFR_TM_EN&ACTION=D&RCN=10911