On the occasion of its General Assembly 2009, AGE members have adopted a Declaration containing guiding principles for its policy work for the coming years. Members agreed the broad outline of the policy directions which AGE will take in formulating its recommendations on pensions reforms, employment, social inclusion, health and long-term care, active civic participation and older people in emergency situations over the coming years.
AGE believes that enhancing intergenerational solidarity and cooperation is key to reacting constructively to today’s rapidly evolving social and demographic context and that the deteriorating economic situation and climate change add further dimensions to this challenge. Changes in the age structure of our populations will have a significant impact on the dynamic between the generations, and intergenerational solidarity and cooperation will need to be re-invented and sustained by appropriate policies. A more inclusive approach to people of all ages therefore needs to be developed and actively promoted in all social and economic policy responses. More positive attitudes and expectations to older citizens’ contributions need to be cultivated and ageist assumptions challenged and banned. People of all ages have a vital role to play in contributing to society and their experience, knowledge and vitality are needed to rebuild a strong Europe.
The financial and economic crisis is making challenges created by demographic ageing more acute. The development of targeted and well coordinated policy responses which capitalise on the strong potential and contribution that older people have to offer is essential. Enhancing the cooperation between them and facilitating a fruitful and constructive co-existence in which the strengths and capacities of people of all ages can be shared for mutual benefit is central to this and forms a common thread throughout the AGE General Assembly 2009 Declaration.
The Declaration is available in English, French, German and Italian.
Last Updated on Thursday, 22 April 2010 14:48
