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Issue 55,
23 September 2010
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International day for the elderly (1 October)
Paola Testori Coggi, Director General, Health and Consumer Policy
I would like to promote a life course approach to ageing. It is
a key concept in the EU health strategy – Together for Health - and it focuses
on staying healthy and enjoying life for as long as possible.
Europe is ageing due to a low birth rate and increased life
expectancy. As this trend continues, our society will change. We need to act
now to plan and adapt to this change. This involves exploring ways to increase
the financial sustainability of health systems. One clear route is by investing
more in prevention and emphasising the benefits of healthy lifestyles. The use
of new technologies for prevention is an area with lots of potential.
The EU has launched actions to improve the health of older
people. We are focusing on actions to push innovation and make progress in
areas such as: eHealth, health technology assessment, telemedicine,
personalised medicine. One example is our work on neuro-degenerative diseases
such as Alzheimers where we are pooling resources and expertise from across
Europe to try and hasten a cure.
More years in good health means better quality of life, more
independence and the chance to remain physically and socially active.
I think we are living in exciting times, where new
opportunities, through technology, research and innovation can revolutionise
health systems. However, we also need to revolutionise the way we think about
ageing. The European Commission has nominated 2012 the year of active ageing. I
invite all readers to seize this opportunity and become involved in activities
planned during the course of the year.
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Acting NOW for better health: A 30% reduction target for EU climate policy
This report sets out new evidence of how higher targets on greenhouse gas emission reductions in the European Union, as part of policy to mitigate climate change, would bring about health gains for Member States and European citizens.
Acting NOW for better health: A 30% reduction target for EU climate policy
This report sets out new evidence of how higher targets on greenhouse gas emission reductions in the European Union, as part of policy to mitigate climate change, would bring about health gains for Member States and European citizens.
Caring for an ageing population
In this interview from the WHO Bulletin, Dr Muriel Gillick discusses how prolonging life at the expense of its quality can rob elderly people of peaceful, meaningful years.
Caring for an ageing population
In this interview from the WHO Bulletin, Dr Muriel Gillick discusses how prolonging life at the expense of its quality can rob elderly people of peaceful, meaningful years.
Data on Healthy Life Years in the EU
In creasing the number of Healthy Life Years (HLY) lived by Europeans is the main health goal for the EU. At present, HLY at birth in the EU is, on average, 14 years shorter than overall life expectancy for men and nearly 20 years shorter for women.
Data on Healthy Life Years in the EU
In creasing the number of Healthy Life Years (HLY) lived by Europeans is the main health goal for the EU. At present, HLY at birth in the EU is, on average, 14 years shorter than overall life expectancy for men and nearly 20 years shorter for women.
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France
Health professionals working together – the shift is underway
The new HPST law (hospitals, patients health and territories) promotes the development of new ways for healthcare professionals to work together.
United Kingdom
October 1st is ‘International Day of Older Persons’
The theme of this event is promoting positive approaches – healthy eating and lifestyle, staying safe, volunteering – and showcasing intergenerational work being carried out in Milton Keynes in the United Kingdom.
Malta
EU-wide Emotional Support Helpline now available in Malta
The EU-wide Emotional Support Helpline – 116123 – offers emotional support to callers suffering from loneliness.
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13th European Health Forum Gastein (6 - 9 October 2010)
EHFG is providing a platform for discussion for the various stakeholders in the field of public health and health care. It is a unique annual event, bringing together, politicians, senior decision-makers, representatives of interest groups, as well as experts coming from government and administration, business and industry, civil society and science and academia.
OECD Health Ministerial Meeting (7 - 8 October 2010)
Health ministers from OECD countries will discuss how to enhance quality, reduce waste and promote healthy lifestyles.
Innovative approaches for chronic illnesses in public health and healthcare systems – ministerial conference (19 - 20 October 2010)
EU countries are increasingly facing common challenges with the growing burden of chronic diseases. In the WHO European Region, chronic diseases represent 86% of mortality and have significant economic implications.
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Evaluation of food additives
This report presents the conclusions of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee regarding the safety of various food additives, with a view to recommending acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) and to preparing specifications for identity and purity.
Evaluation of food additives
This report presents the conclusions of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee regarding the safety of various food additives, with a view to recommending acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) and to preparing specifications for identity and purity.
Intergenerational solidarity and its importance for policy
Proposals from the NGO Coalition for a 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity
Intergenerational solidarity and its importance for policy
Proposals from the NGO Coalition for a 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity
Introduction to EU institutions and policy-making for older people
This document seeks to spark dialogue at national and local level and to help older citizens better understand what the EU has to offer and how they can help shape policies that affect them.
Introduction to EU institutions and policy-making for older people
This document seeks to spark dialogue at national and local level and to help older citizens better understand what the EU has to offer and how they can help shape policies that affect them.
Healthy ageing and the future of public healthcare systems
This paper explores the role of healthy ageing and the future of public healthcare systems in recent and prospective international studies focusing on the most important challenges for the future.
Healthy ageing and the future of public healthcare systems
This paper explores the role of healthy ageing and the future of public healthcare systems in recent and prospective international studies focusing on the most important challenges for the future.
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International Day of the Elderly (1 October 2010)
Activities at EU level
Health EU – Ageing
European Commission - DG Health and Consumers
Social protection systems – MISSOC
European Commission - DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
News
Older people – a new power for development
A demographic revolution is underway. Today, world-wide, there are 600 million persons aged 60 and over.
Health Programme Projects
Electronic standard coding and mapping of services for long-term care
The project will deliver an operational system of long-term care coding and description, which will be useful for EU comparisons and for improving access to long-term care information.
Building Policy Capacities for Health Promotion through Physical Activity among Sedentary Older
The PASEO project seeks to strengthen capacities for health promotion through physical activity among sedentary older people in 15 nations.
Other interesting links
AGE - European Older People's Platform
MHE - Mental Health Europe
ESMHD - European Society for Mental Health and Deafness
Alzheimer Europe
EURAG – European Federation of Older People
EUGMS - European Union Geriatric Medicine Society
WHO Europe – Urban health: ageing
WHO - Ageing
WHO - Long-term care
WHO - The world's ageing population
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