This chapter explores the health and disability challenges of ageing societies and the potential contribution of science, technology and innovation in the near- to medium-term to meeting those challenges. In the coming years, science and technology, and particularly information and communication technology applications, will play an important role in achieving that the elderly remain as healthy, as autonomous and as active as possible.The chapter begins with an overview of worldwide demographic developments to 2050, before turning to the impending difficulties of matching the rising demand for elderly care with an adequate supply of carers. It presents examples of scientific and technological innovations which are on the horizon or already in the pipeline. The chapter looks at spending on national and international age-related research programmes and projects, and suggests policy areas on which efforts might focus in order to facilitate the introduction and diffusion of technological advances that promise to strengthen older people’s health, independence and active involvement in society.