By Julie E 
Photo Credit (Pixeles)
Life expectancy increases and falling fertility rates have caused the proportion of the population that is 65 and older to grow rapidly, from a tiny minority just a few decades ago. Today, there is a population of 65 and up in Europe. It is projected to reach over 30% by the year 2050.
A fundamental demographic upheaval, the fast ageing of Europe’s population is impacting almost every aspect of society. Many individuals are worried about the questions it raises. In a society where an aging population is putting a greater strain on resources allocated to the working-age population, how can we ensure the sustainability of our social systems? Can our current systems handle the demands of an increasingly elderly population? What does the trend of an aging voter population portend for democratic processes and policymaking in the face of climate change and other critical issues impacting generations to come?
Many people still view society’s ageing population negatively, seeing it as a burden on younger generations and a danger to welfare states. However, prominent demographer Stuart Gietel-Basten recently assured a gathering of United Nations officials that there is nothing inherently bad about an ageing population. The only time it becomes an issue is when institutions fail to adapt and prepare.
Certainly, the fact that people are living longer and, on the whole, in better health is a cause for celebration. It is the product of advancements in medicine, enhanced working and living situations, higher welfare, and greater public health.
Being elderly now is very different from how it was in the past, and this is largely attributable to these advancements. The average life expectancy is getting closer to, or perhaps beyond, 80 years; thus, being elderly might mean having a long and fulfilling life ahead of you. Being elderly can mean continuing to be actively involved in job, family, community, and public life for many years to come, thanks to the increased likelihood of excellent health and high levels of education among the elderly.
Our conventionally defined “old” age group has never been more heterogeneous. Because of this, we are reevaluating what it means to be “old.” Ageism, stereotypes, and strict age categories have no place in the modern, diversified, and dynamic world of the elderly. Neither do pension age thresholds.
There will be an ageing population for the foreseeable future, and European governments are beginning to see the light about the importance of making changes to make their communities more welcoming to people of all ages. It is important to recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done in order to achieve the goal of creating societies for all ages, as governments gather this week in Rome to review their progress in implementing the landmark Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which they adopted 20 years ago.
Inequalities that persist into this century have been brought to light by the COVID-19 epidemic. In Eastern Europe, a recent poll by the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) indicated that 79% of the elderly report being moderately or very lonely, adding to the high rates of neglect, poverty, social exclusion, and isolation among this demographic. The way older people are subtly and through countless cultural cues told that they are a burden, less important, and even expendable is equally troubling in public discourse. A recent United Nations investigation revealed that millions of older Europeans are denied opportunities to reach their full potential due to pervasive ageism. Furthermore, as the conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated, humanitarian disasters disproportionately affect the elderly, the majority of whom are women.
There is a moral failure, a human rights catastrophe, and a human tragedy in the exclusion of the elderly. It has negative social and economic effects for nations as well. Europe is becoming an older continent, and nations cannot afford to ignore a quarter of its population just because they are a bit older.
As a whole, nations can better weather the storm of demographic change if they prioritise the health, activity, and engagement of their aging populations.
Here at UNFPA, we help nations deal with the challenges posed by their changing demographics. And we do our part to ensure that programs and policies are in place so that communities can enjoy the advantages of an aging population.
When people are able to get the health care and education they need throughout their lives, they can stay healthy and productive far into old age, which has enormous potential benefits. When persons of retirement age are not marginalized but instead encouraged to keep contributing to society and the economy. When the demands and preferences of the elderly lead to the creation of a “silver economy” that continues to expand.
Our research has shown that in order for governments to do this, three things must be in place:
Listen to those who are more senior. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and future policymaking efforts would benefit from hearing from the elderly. If we want to avoid prejudice and develop solutions that address real needs, we must engage with community representatives.
Combating ageism in public policy and practice. The epidemic has only served to magnify the already pervasive ageism and negative stereotyping, neither of which can be tolerated. In order to change people’s views and behaviors, it is important to spread a narrative that focuses on the strength of intergenerational bonds as well as the autonomy and important roles played by the elderly.
Budgets and legislative frameworks should be reviewed with an eye toward the future. Governments must now assess the areas of health, education, employment, and social welfare to determine what changes are necessary to help their citizens adapt to an aging population and protect their rights and freedoms as they age.
Our civilizations rely on the wisdom and experience of our older citizens. They are pioneers and doers, guides and mentees, caregivers and volunteers, cultural ambassadors and storytellers, and champions of rights that we sometimes ignore. It is not only the proper thing to do but also a moral obligation to foster their contributions and guarantee that the rights and dignity of older people are always honored. Additionally, it aids nations in being future-ready, resilient, and successful in a world where demographics are changing at a rapid pace.