Demographic Change is also a chance for Europe
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In co-operation with the European
Commission a European congress titled "Demographic change as an opportunity
– the economic potential of the elderly" will be hosted by the Federal
Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth on 17 and 18 April
2007 in Berlin. Today, the Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens,
Women and Youth, Mrs Ursula von der Leyen and the EU Commissioner for Employment,
Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Vladimír Špidla, have emphasized
the importance of the elderly generation for Europe on the occasion of the congress
opening: "By using their professional experience, their outside work commitment
and not least their purchasing power, elderly people may significantly contribute
to growth and economic development."
In her speech to approximately 400 congress participants from
all EU member states, Mrs Ursula von der Leyen said: “This event shall
convey the following messages:
* Elderly people are
an asset to our society. They have skills and potential.
* In our society, we need elderly people – we would like to benefit
from their know-how for a better co-operation between the generations, for
economic growth and the labour market.
* With the so-called “silver economy” which focuses on senior
citizens as consumers, Europe can open up a new, profitable market and become
a trend-setter world-wide.”
Nearly all of the member
states of the European Union are experiencing the same development: the birth
rate has been decreasing since the mid-sixties. In 1970, the birth rate within
in the EU of the 25 amounted to 2.35, today it comes to 1.52. In the decades
to come, the population of nearly 500 million in the 27 current member states
will noticeably decline. The group of those capable to work aged between 15
and 65 will fall by approximately 50 millions, whereas the number of those aged
over 80 will triple. The large potential of this so-called "silver economy"
is shown by a new study conducted by the German Institute for Economic Research.
According to this study,
the 60+ generation in Germany has a purchasing power of 316 billion Euros and
thus contributes nearly one third of the total private consumption. Until 2050,
this share will increase to 386 billion Euros solely for demographic reasons
and will amount to more than 41 percent of the total consumption.
The objective of the two-day
event is to highlight the economic potential of elderly people and to continue
the discourse between the European countries. The congress participants from
politics, industry, administration, science and civil society will exchange
experiences and will discuss strategies on how to deal with demographic change.
Practical examples from
various EU member states will be presented to show which opportunities the demographic
change may have for economic growth and employment. They will demonstrate how
the economy may benefit from actively integrating elderly people, for instance
in product development or in management consultancy. The practical examples
will demonstrate how elderly people may benefit from good products and services
improving the quality of life in old age if enterprises take their consumption
requests and requirements seriously. Renown experts from industry, science,
politics and society will present their ideas.
The Federal Ministry for
Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth has chosen the guiding principle
"Seize demographic change as an opportunity and promote equal opportunities
for all at work and in society” for the EU Council Presidency. The major
point „Experience shapes the future: recognise opportunities – use
knowledge and experience – develop new markets" is supported by the
following initiatives:
* The Council for Employment,
Social Policy, Health and Consumer Protection has passed a resolution, which
was tabled by Germany on 22 February. ‘Opportunities and Challenges
of Demographic Change in Europe: Contribution of elderly people to economic
and social development.’ The resolution contains concrete suggestions
on how the potential of elderly people may be used for economy and society,
for a plus on co-operation and a better understanding between the generations.
* Within the framework of the team presidency, Germany, Slovenia and Portugal
have agreed on a work programme ensuring that the topic of ‘demographic
change’ will be a permanent item on the European agenda.
* The EU Commission has set up a high-ranking group of experts dealing with
issues on demographic change, amongst others, with the European Alliance for
Families initiated by Germany.
Please find further information
on the main subjects and events organized by the Federal Ministry for Family
Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth within the framework of the German
Council Presidency on the internet at: http://www.bmfsfj.de/eupresidency/root.html
By
K.S. Date
19-04-2007
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