Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has joined the project “RSU Participation in the Horizon Europe Programme” (project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/014), which serves as an important networking platform in the field of ageing research.
Population ageing and increased life expectancy present significant challenges at both national and global levels. Biological ageing, which involves a gradual decline in physical and mental capacity as well as a growing burden of disease, places considerable strain on healthcare and social protection systems.
According to the United Nations, the number of people aged 65 and over is increasing more rapidly than the number of younger individuals. It is projected that the global population aged 65+ will rise from 10% in 2022 to 16% by 2050. In Latvia, this trend is particularly pronounced – the proportion of seniors has nearly doubled over the past 30 years, reaching 20.8% of the total population. As societies age, the demand for primary healthcare and long-term social care services grows. This also calls for a comprehensive review of pension and social protection systems to ensure their sustainability, considering demographic changes.
Within the project framework, special attention will be given to promoting the use of SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) data for research purposes. Collecting data on ageing populations enables the identification of key issues, highlights areas where additional resources are needed, and helps assess the effectiveness of existing interventions.
SHARE is a Europe-wide longitudinal study involving individuals aged 50 and above. It provides in-depth insights into the processes and determinants of population ageing, covering areas such as health, economics, demography, and social support. Latvia joined this internationally significant study in 2017. More information about SHARE data collection in Latvia is available here.
