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

Within this framework, the research of this group is twofold:

- Demographic evolution makes research necessary to determine the effectiveness and use of new techniques for prevention, training, rehabilitation, active ageing and/or treatment to improve health and limit socio-health expenditure.
- In addition, the cost-benefit effectiveness in the management of resources for the elderly is an aspect to be taken into account in any current health system that values quality in its management.