Healthy Ageing Think & Do Tank - Position Paper
The Healthy Ageing Think & Do Tank (HAT&DT) Position Paper sets out a comprehensive vision for how food and nutrition can play a central role in enabling people to live longer, healthier and more active lives. Developed by EIT Food, the paper responds to the rapid ageing of Europe’s population and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.
Rather than focusing only on old age, the report promotes a life-course approach to healthy ageing, recognising that dietary habits, lifestyle choices and food environments across all stages of life shape health outcomes later on. Nutrition is positioned as a powerful, yet underused, lever to prevent disease, maintain functional ability and improve quality of life as people age
Why is it important?
By 2030, the global population aged over 60 is expected to reach 1.4 billion, placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems and societies. While people are living longer, many are not living healthier. This paper highlights that:
- Chronic, diet-related diseases are rising with age
- Preventive approaches remain fragmented and under-scaled
- Scientific knowledge, food innovation, policy action and public awareness are often poorly connected
The report aligns with the WHO and UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) and calls for coordinated, system-wide action to shift from reactive healthcare to prevention through better food systems. Its relevance spans policymakers, industry, researchers, healthcare professionals and civil society.
What makes the Healthy Ageing Think & Do Tank different?
What makes the Healthy Ageing Think & Do Tank different?
The EIT Food Healthy Ageing Think & Do Tank brings together experts from academia, industry, NGOs and policy to translate science into practical solutions. Its work is structured around four interconnected pillars:
- Research & Innovation – advancing evidence-based dietary solutions, food reformulation and functional foods
- Education – increasing awareness of preventive nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices across the life course
- Policy & Advocacy – supporting policies that integrate healthy ageing into preventive healthcare systems
- Equity & Accessibility – ensuring inclusive access to nutritious, affordable food for all population groups
This integrated approach helps bridge the gap between research, market innovation and real-world impact.
Key Focus Areas
The Think & Do Tank operates through three dedicated working groups:
- Dietary Strategies to Prevent Age-Related NCDs
Exploring how dietary patterns, nutrient composition and food reformulation can reduce chronic disease risk. - Targeted Approaches for Healthy Ageing
Developing personalised and life-stage-specific nutrition strategies that support long-term behaviour change. - Enhancing Wellbeing Through Microbiome Health
Investigating the role of diet, fibre, probiotics and gut health in reducing inflammation and supporting longevity.
Who created the report?
This position paper was developed by EIT Food, Europe’s leading agri-food innovation community and part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). It was co-created with a wide network of experts from research institutes, universities, industry, NGOs and policy organisations across Europe.
The paper was produced under the supervision of EIT Food’s public affairs and innovation leadership, with contributions from recognised specialists in nutrition, ageing, food systems, microbiome science and policy.
Who is it for?
This report is relevant for:
- Policymakers and public authorities
- Food and nutrition industry stakeholders
- Researchers and academics
- Healthcare and public health professionals
- NGOs and organisations working on ageing, health and food systems
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