2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. Rachel Buchanan Policy Officer

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1 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations Rachel Buchanan Policy Officer

2 Why a European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations in 2012? 2 Marks 10th Anniversary of UN Action Plan on Ageing Framework to raise awareness, identify and share good practice Encourage policymakers and stakeholders to promote active ageing and support greater solidarity between generations Invites specific actions in 2011 so tangible achievements can be presented during EY2012

3 Why a European Year on Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity in 2012? Address challenges that arise from population ageing: Help people to stay at work longer and encourage them not to retire too early Combat social exclusion among older people by helping them to participate more in their local communities Prevent ill health and dependency when people become very old

4 Objectives of European Year on Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity in 2012? Member States will seek to: Promote active ageing in employment Promote active ageing in the community through volunteering and caring Promote healthy ageing and independent living

5 What does active ageing mean? 5 World Health Organization definition (2002) Process of optimising opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age Allows people to: - realise their potential for wellbeing throughout their lives - participate in society according to their needs, desires and capabilities - be provided with adequate protection, security and care when they need assistance

6 Demographic change is an opportunity Can bring innovative solutions to current economic and social challenges Empowering older people to: - age in good health - contribute more actively to the labour market - be move involved in their communities Will help us cope with demographic ageing in a way that is fair and sustainable for all generations.

7 7 What does an ageing society mean? Society to adapt to needs of ageing population Tackle new difficulties faced by other age groups so all generations will be able to support each other Collectively review policies and practices: - town planning, rural development, public transport, access to health care, social protection, employment, civic participation, leisure, etc.

8 What can the EY2012 bring? Role for wide range of stakeholders Opportunity to support active ageing in many fields Can help bring necessary changes to achieve society for all ages Innovative solutions that are sustainable and fair for all generations

9 Stakeholder activities What is the EY2012 Coalition? More than 20 European organisations who share common vision of society for all ages Preparation for 29 April EU Day for Solidarity between Generations: Leaflet to explain objectives of EY2012 and role for stakeholders + showcase good practice (launch 29 April) Gathering good practice examples for Commission website on EY2012 (launch 29 April) Press pack to explain objectives of EY2012

10 10 How can you contribute? Help spread the information! Add reference to EY2012 to your website, publications and signatures Translate our message into your own language Provide regular updates on EY2012 campaign through communication channels (newsletters, Facebook, Twitter...) Preparation of the EU conference on 29 April Contribution to design of EY2012 website (steering group).

11 11 How can you contribute? Join our campaign! Download, use and help us disseminate our publications and campaign materials Organise local, regional or national events and debates Hold meetings with local, regional and national decision makers or other stakeholders (employers, trade unions, NGOs) Mobilise other stakeholders to launch initiatives to support active ageing.

12 12 How can you contribute? Join our campaign! Use EU Day of Solidarity between Generations (29 April) as opportunity to show link between promoting active ageing and encouraging intergenerational solidarity Integrate EY2012 campaign activity into work programme Share your Youtube clips, quotes, reports, publications by posting them on the Commission s EY2012 website

13 Promoting active ageing in employment EU working age population will shrink Many 60+ want or need to continue working EY2012 opportunity to reflect on need for new structures and approaches in labour market Vital to preserve older worker s labour market skills and experience through initiatives that promote transfer of skills between generations Need to improve occupational health (and to take measures adapted to older workers) Specific challenges that informal carers face to combine work and family duties must be addressed

14 14 Discussion questions What do you see as the key issues to address during the EY? How can older people be encouraged to work? How do the different generations benefit from working together? What can policy makers do to encourage more older people to work? What is being done in your organisation to provide sustainable employment to older workers?( e.g training measures...)

15 15 More information European Commission on EY2012: AGE website on EY2012 campaign:

16 Thank you for your attention 16

17 AGE Platform Europe Rue Froissart Brussels, Belgium Contact person: Rachel Buchanan tel. : fax :