By Martin Banks - 7th November 2011
The 2012 Year is supposed to represent a new departure
Koos Richelle
A senior commission official has cautioned that people should take a "reality check" on the 2012 "European year on active ageing".
The year is designed to promote the role older people can play in society with the overall aim of creating an "age-friendly" Europe.
But, speaking in parliament on Monday, the commission's Koos Richelle told a meeting that people should be "realistic" about what can be achieved within a 12-month time-span.
Richelle, director general for the employment, social affairs and inclusion DG, said, "The 2012 year will help but it will not be possible to create an 'age-friendly' Europe in one year.
"That is not to say, though, that it cannot have a strong and lasting impact. Creating an 'age-friendly' Europe should be the long-term aim.
"The 2012 year is supposed to represent a 'new departure' and that is what I think it can achieve."
Richelle was a keynote speaker at a hearing, jointly organised by Age Platform Europe and parliament's intergroup on ageing.
The official, who opened the debate, appealed to "all levels of government" to commit themselves to the objectives of the 2012 year.
He suggested measures might include legislative reform and improved working conditions for older people.
His comments were endorsed by Anne-Sophie Parent, secretary general of Age Platform Europe.
She defined 'age friendly' as meaning that old people had a useful role to play in society adding, "I hope the 2012 year will see us mobilise and create strong partnerships leading to fair and sustainable solutions."
The hearing heard from different speakers who outlined various proposals designed to build "solidarity" between age groups.
