The role of burnout prevention in promoting healthy aging: frameworks for the Semmelweis Study and Semmelweis-EUniWell Workplace Health Promotion Program.

Abstract

As the European Union undergoes a demographic shift toward an aging population, the rising prevalence of age-related diseases poses significant public health challenges. Across the EU, disparities in health indicators and life expectancies highlight the urgency of addressing factors that contribute to unhealthy aging. Burnout, characterized by emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, has emerged as a critical determinant of healthy aging, with profound biological, psychological, and social implications. Burnout accelerates age-related decline, exacerbates health risks, and undermines overall well-being. This review explores the role of burnout in unhealthy aging, highlighting its underlying mechanisms and proposing actionable interventions. Workplace-based initiatives-such as the Caring University Model Program at Semmelweis University, which includes the Semmelweis Study and the Semmelweis-EUniWell Workplace Health Promotion Program developed within the European University for Well-Being (EUniWell) framework-offer a novel, integrated approach to embedding burnout prevention within broader public health strategies. By drawing on global best practices-including the Blue Zones model and Mediterranean lifestyle principles-and adapting them to diverse cultural contexts across Europe, these programs aim to foster resilience, reduce stress, and enhance workforce well-being. Addressing burnout as a critical determinant of health, these initiatives offer a scalable blueprint for promoting healthy aging and improving productivity throughout the EU. By incorporating burnout prevention into regional and national health policies, European countries can collectively extend healthspan, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the quality of life for their aging populations.