The facts are that by the year 2025, over 30% of the EU's population will be over 65 years of age, while the number of over-80s will have doubled. The idea is that as the population is ageing, it is also in better health than ever – and the demographic situation has to take this into account. But it is not enough to just let things happen.

Economic requirements dictate that people will have to work later into life, but other aspects have to be taken into consideration. The Commission is looking for partnerships between member states to encourage people to remain active for longer and enjoy a better quality of life.

As things are (and Luxembourg knows this better than most), healthcare systems will not be able to tolerate too much more strain. EU officials want to avoid this situation by keeping people healthier for longer, and are approaching the challenge from scientific and humanistic angles to get a better overall picture.