European Year on Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity
2012 will be the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Action Plan on Ageing. In response to the demographic challenge all European Union (EU) 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
Active Ageing is defined by the World Health Organisation as the process of optimising opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.
It allows people to realise their potential for wellbeing throughout their lives and to participate in society according to their needs, desires and capabilities, while providing them with adequate protection, security and care when they need assistance.
It implies optimising opportunities for physical, social and mental health to enable older people to take an active part in society without discrimination and to enjoy an independent and good quality of life.
The proposed European Year is designed to serve as a framework for – raising awareness on the contribution that older people make to society; identifying and disseminating good practice; mobilising policymakers and relevant stakeholders at all levels to promote active ageing; and calling for greater cooperation and solidarity between generations.
More information is available on the Age Platform website at www.age-platform.eu
