PREVNUT (ERA-HDHL 2020)

BACKGROUND
Consistent with the global increase of lifespan around the world, the number of older citizens is constantly rising. Following the WHO estimation, the number of citizens over sixty will double between 2002 and 2025, to reach a population of 1.2 billion in 2025. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to undernutrition, defined as a state resulting from a defective food intake or uptake (nutrient deficiencies) that leads to an altered body composition and to a weight loss. Prevention of undernutrition is critical. Undernutrition correlates with a general decline in health conditions (aggravation of both physical and cognitive/mental deficiencies), with an increased number (and duration) of hospital stays, increased frailty and poor health, and finally with a higher rate of mortality. Research providing a better understanding of how food is metabolised in the body, how nutrients are made available for absorption and the development of new tailored foods designed to overcome undernutrition can be part of the solution.

AIM OF THE CALL
The aim of this call is to support transnational and transdisciplinary research projects that will improve the prevention of undernutrition in older adults.

WHO
In general, joint research proposals may be submitted by applicants working in universities (or other higher education institutions), non-university public research institutes, hospitals and other health care settings as well as commercial companies, in particular small and mediumsize enterprises.