Proactive Ageing: A New Way to Think About Growing Older
At Lund University, researchers are leading a shift in how we understand ageing. Instead of waiting until problems arise in old age, the concept of proactive ageing encourages us to prepare earlier—starting in midlife or even before.
So, what is proactive ageing?
It’s a new research approach that views ageing as a lifelong journey, not just something that occurs after 65. It aims to predict and prepare for the ageing futures of individuals and populations, using science, technology, and collaboration across disciplines.
Rather than focusing only on disease management, proactive ageing promotes health, independence, and quality of life throughout the life course. It’s about identifying opportunities to act early—whether through lifestyle changes, medical innovations, or social support.
Why Is This Important?
Population ageing is one of the biggest challenges of our time. Yet, as the article points out, “policymakers, health care, social services and industry are lagging in addressing the consequences of the demographic shift with new science and technology.” At the same time, many people are reluctant to think of themselves as ageing, which leads to ageism and missed opportunities for prevention.
Proactive ageing matters because it:
- Changes the narrative: Ageing is often seen as decline. This approach reframes it as a time of possibility and preparation.
- Includes everyone: “Ageing concerns all ages,” and the idea of dividing people into “older” and “younger” loses meaning. Proactive ageing dissolves that divide.
- Connects science with society: It brings together biology, medicine, engineering, law, social sciences, and the arts to address ageing from every angle.
As the authors write, “The necessity to embrace life and the aging process as a journey in which preparations for the future are not associated with ill health, decline and failure, but are instead seen as opportunities, is a monumental challenge for society and individuals.”
What’s Happening at Lund University?
The Proactive Ageing profile area involves researchers from seven faculties working together on projects that range from Alzheimer’s diagnostics to housing choices and digital technology adoption. These efforts are not just academic—they involve municipalities, industry, and community organizations, aiming for real-world impact.
This is more than a research trend. It’s a call to rethink ageing as something we can shape—starting now
Want to know more? Read our article defining proactive ageing and outlining future perspectives.