About the project

MOPACT was a four year project funded by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework Programme to provide the research and practical evidence upon which Europe could begin to make longevity an asset for social and economic development.

To achieve this aim MOPACT concentrated the highest possible quality of scientific analyses into the development of innovative policies and approaches that can assist public authorities and other key actors, at all levels in Europe. MOPACT started from the conviction that Europe requires a new paradigm of ageing if it is to respond successfully to the challenges of demographic change.

Ageing is currently understood as a time of decline, frailty and dependence and policy responses to it still reflect the historical era when retirement took place for a majority at state pension ages and post-retirement years were relatively short. Changes in the labour market and social behaviour coupled with a remarkable extension in longevity have transformed the experience of later life. The boundaries of frailty are being pushed back and, for a growing number of older Europeans, 70 is the new 50.

A multi-disciplinary team targeted the key challenges of ageing:

• The continuing longevity revolution.

• A shrinking and ageing labour force.

• The fiscal sustainability of pensions, welfare systems and health care.

• The structural lag between changes in society and subsequent changes in societal institutions and attitudes.

• The rising need for long-term care.

• Changing social and political roles.