Building on progress made in 2017 to strengthen human rights of older people in 2018
In this first briefing of the year, let’s take a brief stock of AGE work and achievements last year and look at what is ahead for 2018. 2017: enhancing human rights and joining forces for a more social Europe 2017 was another busy year for AGE. In line with our overall objectives to ensure equality […]
International disability day: AGE insists on the structural barriers faced by older persons with disabilities
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we call on Member States and the European Union to better address the rights of older persons with disabilities as well as all researchers and designers to adopt inclusive approaches of older persons to ensure everyone’s voice is heard loud and clear! In 1992 […]
Proclamation of a European Pillar of Social Rights: First step towards a social Europe?
Following the compromise found by the EU Council in October, the ‘European Pillar of Social Rights’ proposed by the European Commission in April 2017 should be proclaimed at the European Social Summit in Göteborg on 17 November 2017. AGE will be part of a Social Platform delegation participating in the Summit. While the proclamation of […]
International Older Persons’ Day: Valuing and enabling contributions through the fight against ageism and the protection of human rights in old age
The 2017 International Day of Older Persons looked at pathways that enable full and effective participation in old age within families, communities and societies at large. As we stated in the press release we issued to mark the Day, valuing and supporting the participation of older people in society are increasingly acknowledged as prerequisites to […]
Assistive technologies and robots: AGE welcomes the new UN Independent Expert’s report and call for a human-rights approach
The ageing demography, the shortage of health professionals and the economic constraints challenge the availability, accessibility and quality of the assistance provided to dependent older persons. In that context, the use of assistive devices and robotics is increasingly seen as a cost-effective solution to make our health care systems sustainable. In a recent report of […]
Time has come for more political will and social activism to protect older persons’ rights, say participants in AGE Annual Conference and General Assembly 2017
Older people and their organisations need to stand together to combat the pervasive ageism and age discrimination that persist in our societies to enhance social justice between generations. That statement was one of the conclusions of AGE Platform Europe’s Annual Conference and General Assembly held on 7-9 June in Brussels. The three-day events looked at […]
eHealth : a solution for sustainable public health in Europe?
The issue of e-health is gaining more and more importance in EU policies as it is seen as a way to make our health systems more sustainable in an ageing Europe while offering new opportunities for economic growth. eHealth, what is it? The terms eHealth (electronic or online health) and mHealth (mobile health) refer to […]
European Day of Solidarity between Generations 2017: focus on sustainable employment and work-life balance
In the current context of high youth unemployment and of reforms aiming to rise the pensionable age across the European Union, AGE seizes the momentum of the European Day of Solidarity between Generations to highlight the key role of intergenerational solidarity and cooperation as a way to promote the employment of both young and older […]
Future of the Europe: the EU at a crossroad in its history
The heads of state or government of 27 Member States of the European Union and the presidents of the main European institutions met in Rome on 25 March to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding Treaties of Rome. Around twenty events relating to Europe took place on that occasion gathering civil society and European […]
Accessibility… (time to) Act!
The rapid ageing of the European and global population makes accessibility more crucial than ever for the inclusion of everyone including older persons with age related functional limitations. Older people need and deserve to be empowered to play an active part in society and remain independent for as long as possible. And the level of […]
2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, among European engagements and local practices
The United Nations 70th General Assembly has designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The objective of the Year is to raise public, political and corporate awareness on the important contribution that sustainable tourism can make to global economic and social development while mobilizing all stakeholders to work together in making […]
United Nations: How the debate on a new convention on the rights of older persons is progressing
AGE Platform Europe is actively involved in the debate around the need for a new international instrument on the rights of older persons. Through our participation we represent the views of our members in the United Nations. As the discussions are progressing mobilisation at national level is crucial. This Special Briefing gives an overview of […]
AGE General Assembly and Annual Conference: action and cooperation to better protect the human rights of older persons
The right to be respected and treated with dignity and to participate fully in society can be a real challenge for older people, in particular in these times of persisting economic and social crisis in Europe. In that context, AGE Platform Europe held on 16-17-18 November 2016 its General Assembly and the fourth Annual Conference, […]
Adoption of web accessibility directive: A first step towards digital inclusion
Our society is growing more and more digital. If this can bring very positive developments for older people, e.g. in the field of employment (work-life balance), health, mobility and independent living, it can also aggravate discrimination, social exclusion and poverty if the access to the new technologies is not guaranteed to all. For instance, an […]
UN International Day of Older Persons ‘takes a stand against ageism’ and opens debate on EU convention on older people’s rights
This year’s UN International Day of Older Persons urges for ‘taking a stand against ageism’ and rethink our views and attitudes towards the older generation, underlining the prevalence and detrimental impact of ageism, i.e. the stereotyping and discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age. Joining the UN call, the World Health […]
Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2016: AGE calls for strengthening older people’s rights in the access to care
Since 2006 the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day has aimed to focus global attention on the physical, emotional and financial abuse of older persons and to give a voice to victims of abuse who remain most of the time invisible. It seeks to promote a better understanding of the issue by raising awareness of the […]
Urban Agenda for the EU: promoting the ‘right to the city’ at all ages
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the urban physical and social environments are key determinants of whether people can remain healthy, independent and autonomous long into their old age. Cities are also key actors in the provision of services that directly influence how active and healthy we age. In old age, people indeed require supportive […]
EU Day of Solidarity between generations: More intergenerational solidarity and interactions needed to challenge age stereotypes and ageism
On the 8th European Day of Solidarity between Generations, it is obvious that many disadvantages and obstacles still hinder the equal participation of the young and the older generations across the European Union. Celebrating and fostering solidarity between generations is even more than ever necessary in today’s context of economic crisis and unemployment rise, likely […]
