European strategy for older persons

Background

Despite the fact that Europe is ageing, age discrimination is prevalent in the EU, ranking alongside gender discrimination as the most common form of discrimination according to the 2019 Eurobarometer report.

Despite projections that the number of people over 65 will substantially increase by 2050, and that the number of people under 55 will by then decrease by 13.5%, the employment rate for older workers in the EU remains below average, with the near-retirement age group (55-64) experiencing higher poverty and social exclusion rates.

The average retirement age in the EU is around 65, with an average life expectancy of 84, pointing to the pressing need to promote both longevity and good health.

Interestingly, despite these challenges, older people possess a significant share of the wealth in many countries, with a notable purchasing power. The silver economy, driven by older consumers, is projected to experience substantial growth, estimated to reach EUR 5.7 trillion by 2025.

To address these changes, the EU needs effective strategies that take into consideration regional dynamics and the opportunities of the silver economy. A new European strategy for older persons should focus on human, social and economic opportunities, active citizenship and solidarity between generations. It should help shift the perception of aging from being a cost to recognising the intellectual, economic and social capital that older people possess.

Key points

In the opinion, the EESC:

• calls for a paradigm shift in the treatment of older people, moving from a care-based approach to empowering them and eliminating ageist attitudes;

• urges the EU to adopt a comprehensive European strategy for older persons, safeguarding their rights and promoting their full participation in society and the economy (the strategy should be accompanied by a guarantee for older persons and encompass various areas such as equality, non-discrimination, gender, rights, participation, employment, education, income and social inclusion, with Member States developing national plans to this end);

• encourages the drafting and signing of a European declaration on older persons to demonstrate the commitment towards developing the European strategy for older persons.

The text of the draft opinion can be found here.

Additional information

Section: Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC)

Opinion number: SOC/757

Opinion type: Exploratory opinion at the request of the Spanish Presidency

Rapporteur: Miguel Ángel Cabra de Luna

Reference: Letter from the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council, 8/12/2022

Date of adoption by section: 21/6/2023

Result of the vote: 76 in favour / 1 against / 11 abstentions

Date of adoption in plenary: 12/7/2023

Result of the vote:

Contacts:

Press officer: Laura Lui

Tel.:     00 32 2 546 9189

email:  laurairena.lui@eesc.europa.eu

Administrator: Valeria Atzori

Tel.:     00 32 2 546 8774

email:  Valeria.Atzori@eesc.europa.eu