Abstract
The importance and meaning of health and disability is changing with increasing longevity. Healthy aging, life-course approach to health and the availability and financing of long-term care are gaining in importance.
Developed countries are confronted with the question how to adapt their policies and services in response to the demographic change at both local and national levels. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with the increase in life expectancy (longevity) and an aging population? What are the prospects for the availability of formal and informal care? What are the determinants of healthy aging? What it the role of gender, socioeconomic status, migration, or information technologies? The authors focus on selected issues these challenges present for public policy.