Human ageing is very complex and many different disciplines are required to understand the ageing process. A deficient view of ageing and the associated diseases is not enough. The goal is to age healthily and competently! Chronological age is only one of many characteristics that determine performance. Which aspects are important for "successful ageing" - this is shown by the results of ageing research, which will be presented on this evening (speaker: Prof. Dr. Gabriele Hoppe, Professor at the International University of Cooperative Education Bochum).