2012 - European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations
You can view and read everything regarding this year, active aging and intergenerational solidarity, on The website of the European 2012.
2012 - European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations
This year's European Year draws attention to the importance that older people have in social life. Policy makers and stakeholders at all levels should be encouraged to take action in order to facilitate active aging and solidarity between generations stronger.
What does active aging actully mean?
Active aging means that we are also healthy and socially active in old age, that we find our work like satisfaction, that we are independent in our daily lives and that we can act as citizens. Even in old age we can still contribute our share in society and live a quality life. What we need most is to exploit the potential that we have in later years. European 2012 points to three areas of active ageing:
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Employment - life expectancy in Europe is increasing the retirement age is rising: many worry that they will not be able to keep a job or find a new and to fulfill the conditions for a decent pension. Older workers must be given more opportunities in employment.
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Social engagement - retirement does not mean idleness. It is often overlooked how much the elderly can still give to society, and caring for their parents or spouse, or to take care of grandchildren. Equally important is the work done by volunteers. The aim of the Year is just that: to do justice to the elderly and their contribution to society and enable them to have better conditions.
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Independent living – by aging the health is waning, but this can be ameliorated in many ways. Even small interventions and changes in the environment can facilitate the life of people who are tortured by disease and disability. Active aging means empowerment of older people to take care of themselves as long as possible.
Source: europa.eu