Fit in old age

In 2030, a third of all people living in Europe will be over 65 years old. As a result of this development, the number of older people with chronic and age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, osteoarthritis and cancer is increasing. These diseases shorten healthy life expectancy and significantly reduce the quality of life of older people. It is therefore essential to research and develop efficient, well-tolerated and affordable preventive measures.

The Center for Ageing and Mobility at the University of Zurich has taken up this issue and launched Europe's largest study to promote health in old age, the DO-HEALTH study. The first study participant was enrolled in December 2012 and the last participant completed the study in November 2017. The University of Zurich conducted the study together with partner universities in Basel and Geneva as well as others in France, Germany, Austria and Portugal. A total of 2157 senior citizens aged 70+ took part in the study, half of whom lived in Switzerland.

The study investigated the effect of three simple measures on improving quality of life: DO-HEALTH participants completed an easy-to-implement exercise program three times a week and took regular supplements of vitamin D (2000 IU/day) and omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day). So far, all three interventions have shown a possible protective effect on various organ functions in previous studies. The DO-HEATH study aims to find out how these three measures affect the risk of bone fractures, muscle and memory function, infection rates and blood pressure. In the evaluation of the DO-HEALTH study, all important organ systems such as bones, muscles, joints, cardiovascular function, memory, immunity, gastrointestinal and dental health are taken into account. The study is investigating both the effect of the individual measures and their combination. The results of the study will be available in mid-2018.

The data collected shows that 42% of DO-HEALTH seniors are so-called "healthy agers". They are free of chronic illnesses and are in good physical and mental health. In Switzerland, the figure is as high as 51 percent. DO-HEALTH aims to extend the healthy life expectancy of DO-HEALTH participants through the three measures and to ensure that future generations can also benefit from the study results.

We will be happy to keep you up to date as soon as the results are published!

Would you like to know what you can do to improve your quality of life in old age? Or are you interested in other activities of the Center for Ageing and Mobility at the University of Zurich? Then you can find more information here.