07/04/2006: Within the broader context of intergenerational relations and their impact on economic and social life, the meeting of the Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood on 5 April in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, chaired by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, focused on the topic of "Older persons and the solidarity of European society". The meeting was launched with an introduction by Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou who emphasised the importance of an exchange of ideas on this issue. More particularly, she indicated that "it was important to examine the measures that Europe should take to deal with demographic ageing and the improvement of the living and working conditions of older persons. In parallel, it is also necessary to ensure the long-term viability of pension systems and the provision of good quality health care for older persons."
Philip Bushill-Matthews MEP, Member of the Employment Committee and rapporteur of the report on demography which was adopted by a large majority by the Parliament, briefly presented the main points of his report. Among others, he underlined that intergenerational solidarity was the good approach since the question of demographic ageing concerns society as a whole and that it is necessary for Europe to adopt measures in order to ensure a greater flexibility in working conditions. Finally, Mr Bushill-Matthews insisted on the necessity of leaving older people to decide on whether they wish to contribute economically and socially by working longer.
Representing the Council and more particularly the Austrian Federal Ministry for Social Protection, Generations and Consumer Protection, Mrs Winkler presented the conclusions of a Conference entitled "Active Ageing in Europe" which was held in Vienna on 8 and 9 March and dealt with healthy ageing. She recalled that active ageing through volunteer work could constitute a means to strengthen social relations as well as the physical and mental health of older people. Finally, Mrs Winkler underlined that lifelong learning for older workers was essential to their quality of life. Participation of older workers in the labour market is very positive for growth and competitiveness.
Mr Kiviniemi from DG Employment and Social Affairs of the European Commission, presented the Commission's actions on demographic ageing but insisted on the fact that questions linked to this issue remain of national competence. He reminded, inter alia, the necessity to modernise social protection schemes and to make full use of the possibilities offered by the Open Method of Coordination in the fields of pensions, inclusion, and long-term health care. He finally indicated that the Commission's Communication on demographic change is under preparation.
Finally, as a representative of the AGE platform, Mrs Patel explained the activities of the platform which aims at promoting the recognition of the role of families as carers not only of children but also of older persons. In addition, she presented the conclusions of a study which was conducted in several Member States, entitled "European Family Carers (EUROFAMCARE)" which focused on the role of families in providing care for the elderly. The study showed that the best strategy is probably one that offers a diversity of care enabling the elderly to remain at home, and which recognises the work of carers and offers a possibility of remuneration, thus making this activity more attractive.
Closing the meeting, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou thanked the speakers and commented: "Today's discussions reflect the complexity of the question of demographic ageing but one should not forget the need of Member State financing of adequate measures which enable us to deal with ageing and preserve intergenerational solidarity".
Philip Bushill-Matthews MEP, Member of the Employment Committee and rapporteur of the report on demography which was adopted by a large majority by the Parliament, briefly presented the main points of his report. Among others, he underlined that intergenerational solidarity was the good approach since the question of demographic ageing concerns society as a whole and that it is necessary for Europe to adopt measures in order to ensure a greater flexibility in working conditions. Finally, Mr Bushill-Matthews insisted on the necessity of leaving older people to decide on whether they wish to contribute economically and socially by working longer.
Representing the Council and more particularly the Austrian Federal Ministry for Social Protection, Generations and Consumer Protection, Mrs Winkler presented the conclusions of a Conference entitled "Active Ageing in Europe" which was held in Vienna on 8 and 9 March and dealt with healthy ageing. She recalled that active ageing through volunteer work could constitute a means to strengthen social relations as well as the physical and mental health of older people. Finally, Mrs Winkler underlined that lifelong learning for older workers was essential to their quality of life. Participation of older workers in the labour market is very positive for growth and competitiveness.
Mr Kiviniemi from DG Employment and Social Affairs of the European Commission, presented the Commission's actions on demographic ageing but insisted on the fact that questions linked to this issue remain of national competence. He reminded, inter alia, the necessity to modernise social protection schemes and to make full use of the possibilities offered by the Open Method of Coordination in the fields of pensions, inclusion, and long-term health care. He finally indicated that the Commission's Communication on demographic change is under preparation.
Finally, as a representative of the AGE platform, Mrs Patel explained the activities of the platform which aims at promoting the recognition of the role of families as carers not only of children but also of older persons. In addition, she presented the conclusions of a study which was conducted in several Member States, entitled "European Family Carers (EUROFAMCARE)" which focused on the role of families in providing care for the elderly. The study showed that the best strategy is probably one that offers a diversity of care enabling the elderly to remain at home, and which recognises the work of carers and offers a possibility of remuneration, thus making this activity more attractive.
Closing the meeting, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou thanked the speakers and commented: "Today's discussions reflect the complexity of the question of demographic ageing but one should not forget the need of Member State financing of adequate measures which enable us to deal with ageing and preserve intergenerational solidarity".
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