Improving Health in Later Life: How a Life Course Approach Could Improve Health and Well-Being in Old Age

Only 20–25% of healthy life expectancy is predetermined by genes; lifestyle and environment play a major role. In the past decades, biogerontological research has significantly contributed to a better understanding of the ageing process that now provides the basis for the development of efficient intervention strategies suitable to increase healthy life expectancy. Based on the most recent biogerontological findings, the authors summarise which interventions at which stage of life are needed to preserve health and prevent or ameliorate disease. Classical lifestyle interventions as well as novel pharmacological substances with mixed proof of efficacy and evidence are discussed. The authors conclude that novel communication strategies, incentives, and regulations need to be developed to promote and force the adoption of a healthy lifestyle in the general population.