Active ageing and solidarity between generations: trends and recommendations
The population of the European Union (EU) is becoming steadily older. In the publication ‘Active ageing and solidarity between generations. A statistical portrait of the European Union 2012’, published on January 13th 2012, Eurostat provides statistical data from throughout the EU to investigate the current situation regarding ageing. The purpose of the publication is to inform governments how to tackle the issues at hand.
Conclusions: the EU population is becoming older and this requires appropriate action
Based on statistics throughout the EU, Eurostat researched the situation with regard to the elderly in 6 fields. Though it is hard to compare the different methods of measuring, definitions and systems throughout the EU, the research shows some clear trends and suggestions in the fields of:
- Demographics. The demographic research shows clearly that the European population as a whole is steadily ageing. This trend is most notable in Germany and Italy.
- The labour market. The trend to retire ever more early has to stop. Governments are urged to invest in healthy work places and retraining programs help employees to stay active.
- The transition from work to retirement. For budgetary reasons, governments are advised to reconsider current pension systems, which are often not designed for a surge in retirees.
- Well-being and health. Improving well-being helps individuals to extend their working life. Governments should try and reduce the overall strain on health and social care systems.
- Living conditions and consumptions. Research shows that the quality of life of individuals depends on the one hand on psychological and social factors and on the other on monetary and material matters. Governments can increase quality of life by making public transport and buildings more easily accessible and providing appropriate leisure and community facilities.
- Participation in society. Senior citizens can be stimulated to keep participating in society through part-time and voluntary work and community initiatives. Research shows that social capital is strengthened if people are members of an organization, have trust in each other and vote in elections.
The EU has declared 2012 the European Year for Active Ageing and
Solidarity between Generations. Active aging is defined as
extending activity of the elderly in the labour force and
society.
Researcher: Eurostat collaborates with others on research about ageing
The research was conducted by Eurostat in collaboration with the
Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
and Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of
Living and Working Conditions.
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