The importance of the elderly in our society is obvious, from a demographic point of view as well as social, economic, and sanitary. The biggest increase in life expectancy according to the United Nations will happen in the following decades, foreseeably towards the year 2050 (Report MIPAA, 2002). The number of people aged 80 and over is expected to increase fivefold in that year (Vaupel and Jeune, 1995). The World Health Organization states that there are currently around 600 million people over 60 years of age in the world (World Health Organization Report, 2009). On the other hand, as far as Spain is concerned and according to 2009 data, there is a population of 7.5 million over 65 years of age, which represents 16.5% of the population (Imserso Report, 2010). Needless to say, aging is one of the great advances of this century, but not without consequences, since the structural and functional transformation of the population is generating important political repercussions, requiring modifications and adaptations as society changes.

In this framework, the research of the Group in Physiotherapy in Aging Processes, is oriented to two aspects: the demographic evolution makes necessary research to determine the effectiveness and use of new techniques of prevention, training, treatment and rehabilitation, active aging and / or treatment to improve health and limit social and health expenditure. In addition, the cost-benefit effectiveness in the management of resources for the elderly is an aspect to be considered in any current health system that appreciates quality in its management. The goal is to make a significant contribution to meeting the challenges posed by this increase in life expectancy.