WHO/Europe Ageing is Living 2026-2030 Strategy: A system-level framework for healthy ageing
Abstract
Issue: Population ageing is reshaping health systems across the WHO European Region. In 2024, people aged 65+ outnumber those under 15, and by 2050 the share aged 60+ will exceed 30%. A gap of around five years remains between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy at age 60.
Description of the problem: Health systems remain organized around disease-specific care, limiting their ability to address multimorbidity, functional decline and long-term care needs. Fragmentation, limited prevention and persistent inequities constrain effective responses, while evidence on intrinsic capacity and functional ability is not systematically translated into policy.
Results: The WHO/Europe Strategy Ageing is Living (2026–2030) shifts focus to maintaining intrinsic capacity and functional ability through four actions: prevention; integrated care; age-friendly environments; and addressing ageism. It is supported by workforce capacity, investment, innovation and data. The Strategy was developed through evidence synthesis, stakeholder surveys and iterative consultations engaging over 3,000 stakeholders across governments, cities, civil society and research networks. Implementation pathways include strengthening primary health care, expanding community-based care, and using population health approaches to identify those at risk.
Lessons: A systems approach is essential, but so is methodology. Transparent, participatory development strengthens legitimacy, aligns priorities with feasibility, and builds stakeholder buy-in for implementation.
Key messages: • Healthy ageing requires system-level action focused on functional ability, not disease alone.
• Participatory, evidence-informed processes are key to implementation.
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BibTeX
@article{muscat2026whoeurope,
title = {{WHO/Europe Ageing is Living 2026-2030 Strategy: A system-level framework for healthy ageing}},
author = {N Azzopardi Muscat and Y Yon and S Ilinca and P Ostlin},
journal = {The European Journal of Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.164},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.164},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - WHO/Europe Ageing is Living 2026-2030 Strategy: A system-level framework for healthy ageing
AU - N Azzopardi Muscat
AU - Y Yon
AU - S Ilinca
AU - P Ostlin
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - The European Journal of Public Health
DO - 10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.164
UR - https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.164
AB - Issue: Population ageing is reshaping health systems across the WHO European Region. In 2024, people aged 65+ outnumber those under 15, and by 2050 the share aged 60+ will exceed 30%. A gap of around five years remains between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy at age 60. Description of the problem: Health systems remain organized around disease-specific care, limiting their ability to address multimorbidity, functional decline and long-term care needs. Fragmentation, limited prevention and persistent inequities constrain effective responses, while evidence on intrinsic capacity and functional ability is not systematically translated into policy. Results: The WHO/Europe Strategy Ageing is Living (2026–2030) shifts focus to maintaining intrinsic capacity and functional ability through four actions: prevention; integrated care; age-friendly environments; and addressing ageism. It is supported by workforce capacity, investment, innovation and data. The Strategy was developed through evidence synthesis, stakeholder surveys and iterative consultations engaging over 3,000 stakeholders across governments, cities, civil society and research networks. Implementation pathways include strengthening primary health care, expanding community-based care, and using population health approaches to identify those at risk. Lessons: A systems approach is essential, but so is methodology. Transparent, participatory development strengthens legitimacy, aligns priorities with feasibility, and builds stakeholder buy-in for implementation. Key messages: • Healthy ageing requires system-level action focused on functional ability, not disease alone. • Participatory, evidence-informed processes are key to implementation.
SN - 1101-1262
SN - 1464-360X
ER -