EUROPEAN YEAR FOR ACTIVE AGEING AND SOLIDARITY BETWEEN GENERATIONS
The year 2012 was the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. It provided an opportunity for all of us to realise that Europeans are living longer and staying healthier than ever before - and to take advantage of the benefits this has to offer to all of us.
The goals and guidelines of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations include the framework of inclusive growth, the promotion of a healthy and active aging population, the promotion of social justice and protection, equality between women and men and solidarity between generations, which will contribute, among other things, in achieving high employment, investing in skills and reducing poverty and social exclusion.
The Social Welfare Services have been designated as the National Coordinator for the European Year in Cyprus in accordance with a relevant decision of the Council of Ministers dated 29/06/2011.
The actions which will be implemented during the European Year 2012 focus on four thematic priorities which are included as objectives of the European Year 2012 in the Decision of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, which declared the year 2012 as the "European Year of Active Aging and Solidarity between Generations".
- to raise public awareness concerning the value of active ageing and its various dimensions; to ensure that it is accorded a prominent position on the political agendas of stakeholders at all levels in order to highlight the useful contribution of older people to society and the economy; to promote active ageing, solidarity between generations, and utilise more effectively the potential of older people and to enable them to lead a dignified and independent life;
- to stimulate debate, to exchange information and to develop mutual learning between member states and stakeholders at all levels, in order to promote active ageing policies, to identify and disseminate good practices and to encourage cooperation and synergies;
- to develop a framework for commitment and concrete actions to enable the European Union, Member States and stakeholders at all levels (with the involvement of civil society, social partners and businesses) to develop innovative solutions, policies and long-term strategies, with special emphasis on long term provision of information. To pursue specific objectives related to active ageing and solidarity between generations;
- to promote activities which will help to combat age discrimination, to overcome age-related stereotypes and to remove barriers, particularly with regard to employability.
European Year 2012 Actions
The specific objectives and guidelines of the European Year 2012 will be implemented through actions as these are specified in the relevant Decision of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, such as:
- conferences, events and initiatives, with the active participation of all relevant stakeholders;
- promoting debate to raise awareness on issues relating to active ageing and solidarity between generations;
- encouraging the sustained and lasting commitment for promoting the specific objectives;
- providing information, promoting and organising educational campaigns with the use of multimedia;
- exchanging information, experiences and good practices;
- carrying out research and studies on a european, national or local level and dissemination of the results.
Back to previous page