Active ageing : report

Luxembourg : Publications Office of the European Union, 2012

Abstract: The EU population, like those of most other world regions, is living longer and in better health. Population ageing presents a number of challenges for our welfare systems and public finances. Indeed, the EU Member States spend, on average, more than a quarter of their GDP on social protection, most of it for the benefit of older people in the form of pensions, health and long-term care. Ageing is perceived by many as a threat instead of one of our greatest achievements. The growing nu ...; [read all] The EU population, like those of most other world regions, is living longer and in better health. Population ageing presents a number of challenges for our welfare systems and public finances. Indeed, the EU Member States spend, on average, more than a quarter of their GDP on social protection, most of it for the benefit of older people in the form of pensions, health and long-term care. Ageing is perceived by many as a threat instead of one of our greatest achievements. The growing number of older people is seen as a burden on the working-age population. These fears neglect, however, the fact that a growing number of older people are in good health, have valuable skills and experience and are willing to make a significant contribution to society, a contribution from which young people can strongly benefit. Allowing people to stay active as they grow older and to continue contributing to society is key to tackling the challenge of demographic ageing. This is why the European Union decided to designate 2012 as the "European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations". This survey has been commissioned by the European Commission's Directorate General for the Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion to understand European citizens’ views and attitudes towards older people, the contribution of older people in the workplace and society, and how best to promote an active role of older people in society. In fact, active ageing is not just about the participation of older workers in the labour market, it's about their active contribution to society through voluntary work, notably as family carers, or the possibility to live independently thanks to adapted housing and infrastructure. This report covers the 27 Member States and five non-EU countries; namely Croatia, Iceland, FYROM, Norway and Turkey. The results are presented at an aggregate level for the EU27 excluding the five non-EU countries. The socio-demographic analysis focuses primarily on age, gender, occupation and relative affluence. The main themes addressed in this report are: overall perceptions of age and older people, older people in the workplace, retirement and pensions, voluntary work and support for older people, age friendly environment. [compress]

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Active ageing : report / Eurobarometer. - Dati testuali elettronici. - Luxembourg : Publications Office of the European Union, 2012. - (Special Eurobarometer ; 378)

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Tit. dalla schermata del titolo. - Conducted by TNS Opinion & Social at the request of Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion; Survey co-ordinated by Directorate-General Communication

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