Elderly and Ageing

Forte is commissioned by the Swedish Government to coordinate the national research in the area of elderly and ageing. This includes, for example, studies of age-related diseases, elderly welfare and living conditions as well as the role of older people in society and on the labour market. We make special initiatives, communicate research results, and work together with others to increase the impact of research in society.

Elderly issues on the agenda

Public health has improved, and we now live longer. In ten years, it is estimated that three million people in Sweden will be over 60 years old and the number of 90-year-olds is already twice as high as 50 years ago. But while some may enjoy their golden years, others may have a more difficult existence. Older people are not a homogeneous group and research shows that socioeconomic differences will have a bigger impact on our lives as we age.

The increasing proportion of elderly also means that more people will live with diseases or disabilities. This requires improved health and social care, the shortcomings of which became even more evident during the pandemic. Elderly issues are now a priority on the political agenda. It is important to continue developing new knowledge about elderly to address the challenges that affect our society and our elderly in various ways.

Who are the elderly?

The research mainly includes people aged 65 and over. It can also include people who are close to the elderly person, such as family members and staff in health and social care. Research on ageing is wide-ranging, interdisciplinary and covers many different issues.