The European Commission has proposed that 2012 is designated as the "European Year for Active Ageing", a proposal that the European Parliament and the Council are expected to review and endorse by the beginning of 2011.

The European Year for Active Ageing aims to contribute to raising-awareness and promoting active ageing at a time when the EU grapples with a steadily ageing population and its impacts on public services and finances. Active ageing is understood as creating more opportunities for older people to continue working, to stay healthy longer and to continue to contribute to society in other ways, for example through volunteering. 

Key objectives of the European Year will be as follows:

• To raise general awareness of the value of active ageing
• To stimulate a debate and develop mutual learning between Member States and stakeholders at all levels, including civil society organisations
• To encourage and support policymakers and stakeholders to promote active ageing

A wide range of activities are planned at European, national, regional or local level linked to the objectives and themes of the European Year.  

They will offer foundations a wide range of opportunities to get involved at European and national level and use the Year as a platform for promotion, networking, knowledge-sharing and partnerships both with public and private stakeholders.

To know more about the European Year's objectives, activities and organisation, read EFC Briefing or contact EFC secretariat at eu@efc.be