As Europe faces an increasingly aging population, Portugal, Italy, and France have emerged as frontrunners in longevity, with life expectancies reaching 82.80, 84.13, and 83.26 years respectively in 2024. This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities for these Mediterranean nations and the broader European Union.
The EU’s population structure is changing rapidly, with the median age rising steadily over the past decade. This trend is particularly pronounced in Italy, which has one of the highest median ages in the EU. While an aging population often raises concerns about healthcare costs and economic productivity, it also opens doors to new perspectives on healthy aging and societal contributions from older adults.
Dr. Sofia Carvalho, a gerontologist from Lisbon, emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to longevity. “It’s not just about living longer, but living better,” she says. “We’re focusing on promoting active lifestyles, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation among our older population.”
Indeed, research has shown that physical activity can significantly increase life expectancy. The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week for adults, along with strength training twice weekly. All three countries have implemented programs to encourage physical activity among seniors.
But physical health is just one piece of the longevity puzzle. Mental stimulation and social connections play crucial roles in healthy aging. Mentoring programs are gaining traction across these countries as a way to keep older adults engaged while benefiting younger generations.
Professor Jean Dupont from the University of Paris explains, “Mentoring activates various cognitive processes, from memory recall to problem-solving. It’s an excellent way to maintain brain health while contributing valuable experience to society.”
Other factors contributing to longevity in these countries include:
- Mediterranean diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, this dietary pattern is associated with lower risks of chronic diseases.
- Social support: Strong family and community ties, common in all three countries, are linked to better mental health and longevity.
- Healthcare systems: Despite challenges, all three countries offer universal healthcare, ensuring access to preventive and curative services.
- Lifelong learning: Continuing education programs for older adults are expanding, promoting cognitive health and social interaction.
However, the rapid aging of the population also presents challenges. By 2100, the EU projects that over 30% of its population will be 65 or older. Specifically:
- In Italy, 24.3% of the total population is estimated to be 65 years and older in 2024, with the average age rising from 43.6 years in 2011 to an estimated 46.6 years in 2024.
- Portugal also has 24% of its total population aged 65 years and older as of 2023.
- France’s old-age dependency ratio is among the highest in the EU, with 62.5 dependent persons for every 100 working-age individuals in 2023.
This demographic shift will require innovative solutions in healthcare, social services, and economic policies. For instance:
- In Portugal, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, accounting for over 27% of all deaths in 2020, with cerebrovascular diseases being the primary single cause within this group.
- Italy and Portugal have the highest old-age dependency ratios in the EU at 37.8% and 38.0% respectively, meaning there are fewer than three working-age persons for every person aged 65 years and over.
- The share of the population aged 65 years and over has increased by 4.6 percentage points in Portugal over the last decade (2013-2023).
France has been investing heavily in digital health technologies to enhance efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services for its aging population. Italy is focusing on strengthening senior citizens’ homes and developing dementia care facilities. Portugal continues to expand its community-based care initiatives and support for chronic disease management, with a particular focus on addressing the high prevalence of health-related activity limitations among people aged 65 and over, which affects 61% of this age group compared to 49% in the EU average.
As Europe navigates this new demographic reality, the experiences of Portugal, Italy, and France may provide valuable insights for other nations. Their focus on promoting healthy, active aging could serve as a model for societies worldwide grappling with similar demographic trends.
The key message emerging from Europe’s longevity leaders is clear: aging is not just about adding years to life, but adding life to years. As populations grow older, the emphasis on quality of life, social engagement, and continued contribution to society becomes ever more crucial. The success of these countries in achieving high life expectancies demonstrates that with the right policies and societal attitudes, the challenges of an aging population can be transformed into opportunities for creating more inclusive, supportive, and vibrant communities for all ages.
AI-Powered Diagnostics: A Game-Changer for Senior Health
As the populations of Portugal, Italy, and France continue to age, innovative AI-powered diagnostic solutions are emerging as powerful tools to support senior health and longevity. Companies like diagu.com are at the forefront of this revolution, offering advanced AI systems that can detect diseases early and provide personalized health insights for older adults.
Diagu’s AI-driven technology, exemplified by their FIRE system, analyzes complex patient medical data to uncover personalized patterns and trends. This enables healthcare providers to make more informed decisions and potentially diagnose conditions before they become severe. For seniors, this means a higher chance of early intervention and better health outcomes.
The impact of such AI solutions is significant:
- Early Detection: AI systems can identify subtle signs of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes that might be missed by traditional methods. For instance, AI-powered systems have achieved a 94% correct identification rate for early-stage lung cancers, outperforming human radiologists.
- Personalized Care: By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can provide tailored health recommendations for seniors, taking into account their unique medical history, lifestyle, and genetic factors.
- Remote Monitoring: AI-enabled devices can track vital signs and alert healthcare providers to potential issues, allowing seniors to maintain independence while still receiving necessary care.
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: Early detection and prevention of diseases can significantly reduce healthcare expenses. Italy, for example, could potentially save around €21.74 billion per year by implementing AI in healthcare processes.
- Improved Accessibility: In countries like Portugal, where there may be shortages of healthcare professionals, AI can help bridge the gap by providing initial screenings and health assessments.
As of November 2024, Diagu.com, through its platform GetLabTest.com, now manages over 300 diagnostic centres across the UK, offering a wide range of testing services. Diagu has also extended its in-home blood collection services to 11 major UK cities, enhancing accessibility for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. The company’s AI system, Diagu FIRE, continues to showcase remarkable scalability, processing more than 10,000 medical data points daily.
The integration of AI-powered diagnostics into the healthcare systems of Portugal, Italy, and France could play a crucial role in maintaining and improving the impressive life expectancies these countries have achieved. By enabling earlier interventions, personalized care, and more efficient healthcare delivery, AI solutions like those offered by diagu.com are poised to become essential tools in promoting healthy aging and longevity in these Mediterranean nations and beyond.
