EU launches debate on ageing population
Elderly people
(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission presented Wednesday a green paper to launch a broad policy debate on the challenges and opportunities of Europe's ageing society, inviting to the public to express its views.
The green paper sets out the impact of this pronounced demographic trend across our economy and society and also asks for views on how to respond to this in a public consultation, which will run for 12 weeks.
"The fact that we are living longer, healthier lives than the generations before shows the success and strength of our social market economy, said EC vice-president Dubravka Suica: "But it also presents new challenges, and offers opportunities which we need to consider. This green paper will launch a discussion on tapping the full potential of an ageing population - the drivers for innovation which it presents, and the policy responses required."
The green paper frames the debate on ageing by setting out the speed and scale of the demographic changes in our society, as well as the impact this has across our policies and the questions we need to ask ourselves in response. This covers everything from promoting healthy lifestyles and lifelong learning to strengthening health and care systems to cater for an older population. It underlines the need to bring more people into the workforce, highlights the opportunities for job creation and looks at the impact of ageing on our careers, wellbeing, pensions, social protection and productivity.
The Green Paper takes a life-cycle approach, reflecting the universal impact of ageing on all generations and stages in life. In doing so, it highlights the importance of striking the right balance between sustainable solutions for our welfare systems, and strengthening intergenerational solidarity. Over the coming decades, the number of older people in the EU will increase. Today, 20% of the population is above 65, and by 2070, it is projected to be 30%. Meanwhile, the share of people above 80 is expected to more than double, reaching 13% by 2070. Similarly, the number of people potentially in need of long-term care is expected to increase from 19.5m in 2016 to 23.6m in 2030 and 30.5m in 2050 (EU-27).
Public consultation on demographic change in the EU – green paper on ageing