Active and Healthy Ageing and Independent Living 2016

Population ageing is a global trend linked to the progressive improvement of living conditions and to the progress of the medical fields [1]. Sustainability issues related to the provision of social and health services are emerging in developed countries [2] that are implementing a number of strategies to ensure good quality of life for all ages and older adults, focusing on maintaining independence and ensuring an active life as people age in their own environment [3, 4]. Several dimensions have traditionally been linked to the management of health in older adults that were mostly related to physical functionality. Currently, an emerging role is being identified for additional factors that overcome the boundaries of health but nonetheless influence health outcomes, such as lifestyles, built environment, and social inclusion [5, 6]. This special issue provides examples of innovative, cross-sectorial strategies that contribute directly or indirectly to improving the quality of life for older adults and their closer ones, making our health and social care systems more efficient and sustainable.