This study addresses the interplay between the health and socio-demographic conditions characterising the EU's ageing population, focused on populations at risk of social inequality, to provide information that policymakers can use to promote healthy ageing. The goal of the study is to compare trends in healthy life years across both populations (countries) and specific populations (by gender and level of education), and to address the social inequalities associated with healthy ageing so that we might promote greater health equity and thereby contribute to the development of effective strategies/measures to support healthy ageing in the EU. Ultimately, the study seeks to help policymakers make informed decisions about the allocation of resources for healthcare, social services, and other programmes aimed at promoting healthy ageing by identifying the population groups most at risk, including women with lower levels of education and older adults. Governments must take steps now to prepare their societies to meet the social and economic challenges of an ageing world.