The Sustainability of Population Ageing in Europe: A Cost-Focused Analysis of the Dynamic Equilibrium Hypothesis.

The thesis explores how Europe is coping with an ageing population and the rising demand for long-term care (LTC). Ageing is often seen as a threat to the sustainability of healthcare systems, but the dynamic equilibrium hypothesis suggests that living longer does not always mean spending more years in poor health. By looking at European data on healthcare and LTC spending, with a focus on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, the research asks whether growing longevity necessarily leads to higher costs. The analysis shows that the picture is complex: while Northern and Central European countries invest more in LTC and seem better prepared, Mediterranean countries often face underfunding and stronger reliance on families for care. The European Union plays a crucial role through policies on prevention, innovation, and digitalisation, which can make ageing healthier and less costly. Overall, the findings suggest that prevention and healthy ageing are key to ensuring that longer lives remain both sustainable for society and meaningful for individuals.