The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that in 2024, individuals aged 65 and older will outnumber those under 15 in Europe. This demographic shift, which is occurring decades earlier in Europe than the global average, presents new social, economic, and health challenges.
To address these challenges, the WHO recommends focusing on healthy aging and implementing measures to preserve and enhance physical and mental health, independence, social well-being, and quality of life for older individuals.
Suggestions include promoting sporting and cultural activities for older people, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, along with activities that improve balance, mobility, and reduce muscle and bone density loss. Higher levels of physical activity can reduce the risk of all-cause mortality by 35%.