Nourishing our golden years: Working to support healthy ageing with healthier choices

Although life expectancy is increasing, many older adults spend their later years in poor health; DG SANTES’s Sandra Gallina tells us about the European Commission’s efforts in supporting healthy ageing

As our global population ages, the spectre of chronic diseases looms larger than ever. While lifespans have been extended by advancements in healthcare, this has also created a surge in chronic ailments amongst our older population. We are therefore confronted with a crucial question: how do we ensure that nutrition and lifestyle choices contribute fully to the prevention of chronic diseases, particularly in an ageing society?

The impact of nutrition and lifestyle on the health of older individuals cannot be overstated. A well-balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, coupled with regular physical activity, forms the bedrock of a long and healthy life. It can help to prevent many diseases, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and certain cancers, while also contributing to better mental wellbeing.

Regrettably, there are barriers that prevent many older individuals from maintaining a wholesome diet. Financial constraints often force them to make compromises. Diminished mobility, coupled with declining sensory perception, can make meal preparation a daunting task. This often leads people to opt for convenient, less nutritious, processed foods.

How food products are designed and marketed for older consumers is also a real concern. The prevalence of youth-oriented marketing strategies often sidelines the needs of older individuals. Labels with small fonts, packaging that is hard to open, and portion sizes designed for younger appetites can all hinder the efforts of older adults to follow healthy diets.

Supporting healthy ageing with the European Commission

The European Commission is therefore taking important steps to support healthy ageing through healthy nutrition, starting very early in each individual’s life. Given that all EU countries face similar public health challenges, including those related to an ageing population, it makes sense that we work together as a Union to find solutions.

Our ‘Healthier Together – EU non-communicable diseases’ initiative supports EU Member States in identifying and implementing effective policies and actions against key health challenges. This initiative covers a broad spectrum of health issues, from diabetes to mental health, as well as looking more broadly at health determinants such as physical activity and nutrition. The ultimate goal is to improve citizens’ health and wellbeing – whatever age they are.

Under the Healthier Together initiative, the Commission promotes Member States’ close cooperation through various projects and collaborative actions. We are using funds from the EU4Health Programme to support Member States in their efforts to help citizens make healthy food choices. For example, a new joint action on diabetes and cardiovascular diseases will be launched next year, backed by €53 million from the programme, whilst another action on health determinants for cancer and other non-communicable diseases will also be launched soon, with EU funding of €75 million.

Best practice policies for healthy ageing

In addition, we work closely with national experts to discuss and share best practice on policies related to healthy ageing. Importantly, the Commission promotes a ‘health in all policies’ approach to ensure that health promotion and disease prevention are reflected in all our decisions and that the needs of vulnerable groups, such as the ageing population, are met.

Several of our key flagship initiatives also play an important role in promoting healthier nutrition and lifestyles in older people across the EU. Under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, for example, we have earmarked €4 billion for cancer prevention and care, including support for healthy diets across all pillars of the Plan.

As part of the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission has launched initiatives to support healthy, sustainable diets, including the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices.

Healthy ageing is not just a personal endeavour. It is a collective responsibility and an imperative for all societies with an ageing demographic. Better nutrition is a big part of this, and the Commission is playing its part. Our aim is to contribute to a culture that values and supports the wellbeing of our older citizens, where we not only enhance each individual life but also create a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient society.