Life-course approach

Invest in health through a life-course approach and empower citizens

Supporting good health and its social determinants throughout the life-course leads to increased healthy life expectancy as well as enhanced well-being and enjoyment of life, all of which can yield important economic, societal and individual benefits. 

The changing demographics of the European Region require an effective life-course strategy that gives priority to new approaches: empowering people and building resilience and capacity, to promote health and prevent disease.

Children with a good start in life learn better and have more productive lives. Adults with control over their lives have greater capacity for economic and social participation and for living healthier lives. Healthy older people can continue to contribute actively to society.

Healthy and active ageing, which starts at birth, is a policy priority as well as a major research priority.