On 28 April, the European Commission published a study on long term care in the European Union. The study analyses the current situation of long term care in the EU and explores its future development. In light of the increase of people aged 80 and over from 18 million in 2004 to over 50 million in 2050, the European Commission identified a preference for home and community based care for older people over institutionalized care. The study also highlights the challenge the European Union is facing in terms of ensuring access for all to long-term care services.