Ageing

Promoting the health, autonomy and well-being of older people.

Modern societies, particularly in Europe, are experiencing a demographic transition, marked by the gradual ageing of the population. Data from the 2021 Census shows that people over the age of 65 already account for a quarter of the Portuguese population, making Portugal home to some of the world’s oldest populations. The same data also reveals that the ageing index currently stands at 182 (number of older people for every 100 young people), that the population aged 65+ has increased 20.6% compared to the 2011 Census, and that the fastest growing age group are those aged 80 and over.

This trend, which sees people living longer, also has a serious impact on social and health systems, the responsiveness of which, given the considerable number of people, with increasingly complex problems and in advanced stages of illness, is weakened. The key to responding to the urgent need to create conditions for dignified and healthy ageing is to promote the autonomy and quality of life of older people, ensuring access to quality care and services, in particular home care.

Studies and pilot projects that have already been tested have shown that opting for home care offers the same effectiveness, with reduced risk for patients and reduced health costs and hospital overburden.