In the last 50 years, life expectancy at birth has increased by about 10 years for both men and women. This is a remarkable achievement that poses challenges and offers opportunities. The Green Paper on Ageing opens a wide debate on the impact of this trend for citizens, whatever their age, and for society as a whole. It raises questions that span across the life-cycle from the formative years, to working age, to retirement, and stages of growing needs.