22-01-2007

Europeans are living longer – more than a third of adults will be aged over 60 in 20 years time – and, in general, they are having fewer children. Older people are becoming more important for their contribution to economies and communities, as well as for the demands they make as consumers and for their expectations as citizens. The rise of 'grey power' has important implications for the future strategies of regions and cities, as well as the services they provide.

The 'age proofing toolkit' will be presented in Brussels on 25 January at a European Commission conference aimed at increasing awareness about demographic change and helping regions and cities to identify effective policy responses.

The toolkit addresses five themes: 

The two-day Commission conference will be opened by, Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy, and Karl-Heinz Daehre, Lander Minister for Regional Development and Transport, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

CoR President Michel Delebarre: "Local and regional authorities find themselves at the sharp end of demographic change. The challenge is to adapt public services to new demands, to ensure employment of the elderly, to maintain social and territorial cohesion. Demographic change is a cross-cutting issue which has to be developed by all levels of government but especially at the local level, which is closest to the citizen."

Gordon Lishman, Secretary of AGE and Director General of Age Concern England, said: "This toolkit is designed to make sure that policy makers at a sub-national level – who have significant authority in key areas like housing, transport and economic development – can respond to and meet these challenges and opportunities. It is important that regional government understands the full impact that the ageing population will have."