Programs for the research theme Healthy living
The preventive healthcare sector is facing wide and varied challenges. Increasing demands are being placed on healthcare as a result of the aging of the population. New hazards loom, as overweight and lack of exercise begin to take their toll among large groups of children, adults and the elderly. Labour market participation must also receive an impulse. This can be done, for example, by encouraging curative occupational health strategies.
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Concepts such as solidarity and accessibility are of undeniable importance in healthcare and social security, but they often clash with economic constraints. A new healthcare system that responds better to market forces, together with increased productivity in the healthcare industry are intended to keep healthcare expenditures manageable. Another, equally important aspect is cost management in the social security system with regards to illness-related absenteeism and occupational disabilities. Healthcare insurers, consumers and healthcare providers are all expected to play their part. Individuals are expected to take personal responsibility for their own health and well-being whenever possible.
The impact of nutrition on public health is also becoming apparent. Lifestyle changes and other factors (reduction in physical exercise, widespread consumption of convenience foods) mean that a growing proportion of the population is struggling with excess body mass.
Innovative concepts having to do with prevention (e.g. nutrition, exercise) should contribute to building social participation, both in the labour market and in society in general, and help individuals to live healthy and independent lives as long as possible. There is a great deal of interest in new nutritional products and lifestyle adaptations (especially with regards to nutrition and exercise) that may present opportunities for reducing the risk of developing conditions and diseases such as diabetes, overweight and afflictions of the cardiovascular system. An additional factor is that international legislation is being prepared regarding the nutritional claims made by companies about their products, and that the definition of functional food is being made more precise. Innovative healthcare concepts should couple cost-effectiveness with safety and quality, and should adequately address peoples needs, whether they are healthy or ill.
These expert knowledge inquiries have to do with public health and the healthcare sector. They are of interest to the government, healthcare providers, insurers, the pharmaceutical and food industries, healthcare professionals and consumers. The expert knowledge inquiries are related to the following tasks for society: "Being prepared for growth and change in the demand for healthcare", "Living healthy longer", "Patient safety", "Healthcare limitations and dealing with shortages and risks", "Accelerating R&D and time-to-market of innovative medical products".
