Aging, longevity, and healthy aging: the public health approach

BACKGROUND: Population aging is one of the most significant global demographic changes of the 21st century, driven by increased life expectancy and declining fertility rates. This phenomenon presents both achievements and challenges for public health systems worldwide. AIMS: On the one hand, advances in healthcare and socio-economic conditions have contributed to longer lives and improved quality of life for older adults. On the other hand, aging populations are increasingly affected by chronic diseases, greriatric syndromes, and multimorbidity, leading to greater healthcare demands and higher associated costs. METHODS: This manuscript explores evidence on regards of the impact of aging on healthcare and economic systems, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift toward healthy aging. RESULTS: Healthy aging, as defined by the World Health Organization, focuses on the maintenance of intrinsic capacity, physical, mental, and social well-being throughout life. It highlights the importance of preventive healthcare, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity in delaying the onset of chronic conditions and maintaining functional independence. Furthermore, the manuscript addresses the challenges faced by healthcare infrastructures and pension systems as they adapt to aging populations, with particular attention to the strain caused by workforce shortages and the rising need for long-term care. DISCUSSION: A coordinated public health approach is essential to promote healthy aging and mitigate the economic and societal impacts of population aging. CONCLUSIONS: This paper underscores the need for integrated health policies and multidisciplinary care models to ensure that longer life expectancy is accompanied by better quality of life for older individuals.