In the Preserving Health programme we look at which lifestyle interventions work best with adults with a low socio-economic status.

In the Netherlands, people with only a primary-school education or pre-vocational secondary education live, on average, 6-15 years less in (perceived) good health than people with higher education or a university degree, according to Central Bureau for Statistics figures. Lifestyle and environmental factors have a major influence on our health, as confirmed by our earlier research. Using our additional knowledge and expertise, we are looking for underlying factors. In this way, we want to find out how we can best stimulate lifestyle and environment changes for optimal health.

The goal is to minimize functional decline and reduce health disparities in Dutch society for individuals aged 18-65, with a focus on vulnerable populations in specific neighborhoods. The research line focuses on integrative approaches (social, organizational, digital, technological) and interventions to overcome limitations of point solutions. Preference is given to structural solutions in which the environment is made such that it stimulates and sustainably supports healthy, affordable, and attractive living in neighborhoods at risk. By 2030, the programme aims to implement integrated interventions in living labs, focusing on a healthy environment, through trans-disciplinary collaboration with stakeholders with the ultimate aim to contribute to proactively to prevent the emergence of health problems and enable individuals to achieve their full health potential.

Take a look at our Preserving Health research projects.

Want to collaborate?

Are you a student or researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University or University Medical Centre Utrecht, and would you like to join our research within the theme Preserving Health? Or perhaps you have an idea for a new project? Please contact us.