THE LIFECOURSE PERSPECTIVE OF AGEING threshold'shown in Figure 1 is not rigidly defined. In a supportive environment an individual who has experienced substantial loss in Ageing can be defined as the process of progressive change in the given functional capacity may continue to live independently while biological, psychological and social structure of individuals. For statistical another, with the same degree of functional loss in a less supportive environment will experience loss of independence. There are also im- example those aged 60 years and above, depending on cultural and portant gender differences in the way we age, with women having a personal perceptions. However, ageing is a life-long process, which begins before we are born and continues throughout life Figure 1: A life-course perspective for maintenance of the highest possible level of functional capacity The functional capacity of our biological systems (eg. muscular strength, cardiovascular performance, respiratory capacity etc. )increases during Functio nal capacity the first years of life, reaches its peak in early adulthood and naturally eclines thereafter This is captured in Figure 1, which has been developed as the conceptual framework of the WHO Programme on Ageing and Health. The slope of decline, however, is largely determined by external factors throughout the life course. The natural decline in cardiac or respiratory function, for example, can be accelerated by smoking, leaving the individual with lower functional capacity than would normally be xpected for his/her age. Similarly, poor nutrition in childhood may predispose through weaker bone structure to the development of osteoporosis in adulthood, thus increasing the slope of decline. The difference in decline in functional capacity between two individuals is often only evident later in life when a sharper descent may result in disabilit bi lity thresh妇 Health and activity in older age are therefore a summary of the living circumstances and actions of an individual during the whole life span Early life interventions to ensure the highest possible functional capacity his conceptual approach presents new opportunities, as people are able to influence how they age by adopting healthier life styles and by adapting to age-associated changes. However, some life course factors, which influence health and ageing, may not be modifiable by the individual For those in older age above the disability threshold, revisiting previous Socio-economic factors, including economic disadvantages and environmental threats, may affect the ageing process by predisposing to disease in later life. In this respect it is important to note that the'disability For those age below the disability threshold, interventions are interventions ing the quality of life4 1. THE LIFECOURSE PERSPECTIVE OF AGEING Ageing can be defined as the process of progressive change in the biological, psychological and social structure of individuals. For statistical purposes, ‘the aged’ are commonly placed into specific age groups, for example those aged 60 years and above, depending on cultural and personal perceptions. However, ageing is a life-long process, which begins before we are born and continues throughout life. The functional capacity of our biological systems (eg. muscular strength, cardiovascular performance, respiratory capacity etc.) increases during the first years of life, reaches its peak in early adulthood and naturally declines thereafter. This is captured in Figure 1, which has been developed as the conceptual framework of the WHO Programme on Ageing and Health. The slope of decline, however, is largely determined by external factors throughout the life course. The natural decline in cardiac or respiratory function, for example, can be accelerated by smoking, leaving the individual with lower functional capacity than would normally be expected for his/her age. Similarly, poor nutrition in childhood may predispose through weaker bone structure to the development of osteoporosis in adulthood, thus increasing the slope of decline. The difference in decline in functional capacity between two individuals is often only evident later in life when a sharper descent may result in disability. Health and activity in older age are therefore a summary of the living circumstances and actions of an individual during the whole life span. This conceptual approach presents new opportunities, as people are able to influence how they age by adopting healthier life styles and by adapting to age-associated changes. However, some life course factors, which influence health and ageing, may not be modifiable by the individual. Socio-economic factors, including economic disadvantages and environmental threats, may affect the ageing process by predisposing to disease in later life. In this respect it is important to note that the ‘disability threshold’ shown in Figure 1 is not rigidly defined. In a supportive environment an individual who has experienced substantial loss in any given functional capacity may continue to live independently while another, with the same degree of functional loss in a less supportive environment will experience loss of independence. There are also im￾portant gender differences in the way we age, with women having a Early life interventions to ensure the highest possible functional capacity Adult life interventions aimed at slowing down the decline For those in older age above the disability threshold, revisiting previous interventions For those in older age below the disability threshold, interventions are aimed at improv interventions ing the quality of life 5DQJHRI IXQFWLRQ )XQFWLRQDOFDSDFLW\ $JH /LIHFXUYHRIKLJKHVW IXQFWLRQDOFDSDFLW\ /LIHFXUYHRIUHGXFHG IXQFWLRQDOFDSDFLW\ 'LVDELOLW\WKUHVKROG FKDQJHVLQH[WHUQDOHQYLURQPHQWFDQORZHUGLVDELOLW\WKUHVKROG Figure 1: A life-course perspective for maintenance of the highest possible level of functional capacity