Author Information
Hariklia Proios, Adelphi University, United StatesMyrto Pyrrou, University of Macedonia, Greece
Arlene Wilkie, Independent Scholar, United Kingdom
Abstract
For many individuals, achieving a healthy life expectancy beyond the age of 65 is significantly impacted due to health and social determinants including stroke, a leading cause of disability and the second cause of death worldwide. Stroke not only reduces life expectancy but also disproportionately affects healthy life years, especially for those with risk factors. Stroke contributes to a significant burden on general health, social and economic systems. Reducing the number of strokes must be a global priority. The Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE), a non-profit umbrella organization of over 35 stroke support organizations, advocates for equitable access to stroke care and support along the entire care pathway. In 2024, SAFE relaunched an innovative educational platform dedicated to stroke prevention. It provides accessible information on modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, aiming to educate the public on strategies for primary and secondary stroke prevention to improve brain health and to reduce the likelihood of first and recurrent strokes. Through collaborative initiatives such as the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E 2018-2030), led by SAFE and the European Stroke Organization (ESO), and the Global Stroke Action Coalition, led by the World Stroke Organization (WSO), these organizations continue to involve multinational stakeholders to address knowledge gaps in stroke and risk factors. With effective prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive rehabilitation including “life after stroke” which involves all years after formal hospital rehabilitation has ended, it is possible to reduce the global burden of stroke. This in turn will “democratize the concept of longevity.”
Paper Information
Conference: AGen2025Stream: Lifespan Health Promotion
This paper is part of the AGen2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Proios H., Pyrrou M., & Wilkie A. (2025) Protecting Our Brain to Reduce the Burden of Stroke: The Role of Stroke Alliance For Europe (SAFE) ISSN: 2432-4183 The Asian Conference on Aging & Gerontology 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 157-167) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2432-4183.2025.12
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2432-4183.2025.12
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