Mobilising the potential of active ageing in Europe (MOPACT)

MOPACT is to provide the research and practical evidence upon which Europe can begin to make longevity an asset for social and economic development. Ageing is currently understood as a time of decline, frailty and dependence and policy responses to it still reflect the historical era when retirement took place for a majority at state pension ages and post-retirement years were relatively short. Changes in the labour market and social behaviour coupled with a remarkable extension in longevity have transformed the experience of later life. The boundaries of frailty are being pushed back and, for a growing number of older Europeans, 70 is the new 50.


To achieve this aim MOPACT concentrates the highest possible quality of scientific analyses into the development of innovative policies and approaches that can assist public authorities and other key actors, at all levels in Europe. MOPACT starts from the conviction that Europe requires a new paradigm of ageing if it is to respond successfully to the challenges of demographic change.

NIESR is involved in two of the nine research fields: Extending Working Lives and Enhancing Active Citizenship.

Timescale and funder

MOPACT began in 2013 and concluded in early 2017. It was funded by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework Programme.