A new study has found that for the elderly, these characteristics play a significant role in healthy ageing. 

Marion Patte of the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research highlighted the link based on the results of a 2015-16 survey of 500 individuals,  aged 65 and over, through the Curha project. 

In the abstract, healthy aging for the elderly is defined as “maintaining good overall health and independence in daily tasks”. While reports vary as to the forecasted numbers of Luxembourg’s ageing population, Statec estimates the figure will reach 200,000 by 2020. The trajectory is nevertheless one of stark growth which will place strains on the pension system. 

Questions on how seniors will live and age healthily also come into play. “In order to develop social cohesion at the neighborhood level, politicians will have to set specific targets to combat the isolation and inadequacy of social networks or the integration of newcomers,” the writer states, adding that an example of a policy which would adhere to the findings “would be to optimise the quality of the supply of transport services, which is particularly useful for a population experiencing a loss of mobility.”