Population ageing is set to become one of the most significant social transformations of this century; globally, the population aged 60 and over is growing faster than all younger age groups. (Source UN).
Focusing on different forms of social exclusion related to older age, COST Action, ROSEnet, (Reducing Old Age Social Exclusion in Europe), an innovative networking partnership of individuals, including researchers, older people and policy stakeholders from 41 countries, asked seminar participants to consider the ways in which current policy can tackle exclusion in later life across Europe.
COST Director, Ronald de Bruin addresses participants before chairing alively panel discussion on ageing policy and social exclusion.
Drawing on state-of-the-art research and policy perspectives, the seminar brought together key European stakeholders and researchers who are at the forefront of policy analysis, innovation and implementation.
“With continuing social and economic uncertainty, it is critical that European public policy reflects the needs of a growing, and diverse, older population,” said Prof. Kieran Walsh, Chair of ROSEnet and Director of the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway. “Some older people experience exclusion, which can impact on their ability to participate as full members of European societies.”
New developments in research and policy were presented, highlighting the steps necessary to improve social and civic participation in later life. The seminar was closed by Marian Harkin, MEP, Vice-Chair of the Intergroup on ‘Active Ageing, Intergenerational Solidarity and Family Policies’.
The event was ROSEnet’s 3 rd European Policy Seminar, with 4 further bi-annual seminar and conference events planned.