Life expectancy is continuing to increase, giving today's children a very real chance of living to the age of 100. The bad news, however, is that ageing can be accompanied by a deterioration in physical, psychological and social ability, making the elderly more vulnerable. The more vulnerable an individual becomes, the greater the chance of illness and disabilities.

The Research Group on Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing does applied academic research on vulnerability – in the paramedical and nursing domain. Its research seeks to establish how vulnerability can be measured and how to avoid or reduce vulnerability. Research focuses primarily on daily exercise, an adequate diet, muscle function, but also on social and psychological aspects and the optimal development of children.