In their Economics of Healthy and Active Ageing series, the WHO investigates key policy questions associated with population ageing, bringing together findings from research and country experiences. In a contribution on the effect of population ageing on the welfare state, it reviews evidence on the health and long-term care costs associated with ageing populations to better understand the expected cost pressures associated with changing age demographics. This policy brief explores how older populations can contribute meaningfully both in economic and societal terms, particularly if they are able to remain healthy and active into later life. Specifically, the WHO relies on research with SHARE data to assess disability trends among older Europeans and how these influence health expenditure developments.