Europeans ready for 'active ageing', new survey says

Brussels, 13 January 2012 – To mark the start of the 2012 European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity of Generations, the Commission presented today a new Eurobarometer survey showing that 71% of Europeans are aware that Europe's population is getting older, but only 42% are concerned about this development.

This is in stark contrast with the perceptions of policy makers, who regard demographic ageing as a major challenge. For most citizens, people aged 55 years and older play a major role in key areas of society.

Over 60% believe that we should be allowed to continue working after retirement age and one third says that they would like to work longer themselves. Surprisingly, people closer to retirement are more likely to share this view than the younger generation.

Lazlo Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion presented the survey saying: "Today's Eurobarometer survey shows that people are ready to remain active as they grow older. I am confident that the European Year will act as a catalyst to mobilise citizens, stakeholders and decision-makers to take action to promote active ageing, tackling the challenges of ageing in a positive way."

The European Year 2012 for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations seeks to raise awareness of the contribution of older people to society and to promote measures that create better opportunities for older people to remain active.

The European Year aims to encourage all policymakers and stakeholders to set themselves specific commitments related to active ageing and to take action to meet these goals. The commitments can be made public on the website of the European Year. Communication actions with general public, with stakeholders, decision makers and journalists will be organised at national and European level.

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