European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations

The European Commission has designated 2012 as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (EY 2012).

The overall aim for EY 2012 is to promote active ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of the rapidly growing population in their late 50s and over, across Europe.

The year will provide a framework for policy development and concrete action to enable the European Union, Member States and stakeholders at all levels to develop and share innovative solutions, policies and long-term strategies related to active ageing and intergenerational solidarity;

Objectives for the year

• To raise awareness of the value of active ageing and to highlight the useful contribution that older people make to society and the economy; leading to better opportunities for older people to play their part in the labour market.
• To promote solidarity between generations and the vitality and dignity of all people; combating poverty and social exclusion.
• To do more to mobilise the potential of older persons by fostering volunteering and active participation in family life and society; and encouraging healthy ageing in dignity.
• To promote activities which will help to combat age discrimination, to overcome age-related stereotypes and to remove barriers, particularly with regard to employability.

Get involved

EY 2012 is about going beyond the debate and seeing results. The European Commission is inviting national, regional and local Government, social enterprises, the voluntary and community sector, and the wider business community to make specific commitments during 2011 and 2012 to promote active ageing in the UK and Member States.

Details of and presentations from the UK launch event held on 6 March can be found at:

• EY 2012 UK launch (European Union website)

Make a commitment

Submit an outline of your proposed commitment and contact details on the Get Involved page of the EY 2012 website at:

• European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 – Get involved (European Union website)

PAU Education will then contact you to obtain any additional information required and submit your commitment to the European Commission for consideration. You may be contacted again for further information during the consideration process.

All commitments that are considered to meet the Commission's criteria will be published on the 2012 website at:

• European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 – Get involved (European Union website)

More information

Get more information about EY 2012, and information about initiatives in the UK and other Member States, from the European Commission website.

• European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations – Initiatives (European Union website)

Contact the UK’s National Coordinator:

Jo Corkett (Redefining Retirement Division, DWP)
EY.2012@DWP.GSI.GOV.UK