Support for Women and Active Aging in Europe: Programs and Policies
Support for Women and Active Aging in Europe
Support Programs for Women
Women who are victims of gender violence have access to host homes and immediate attention. These programs offer comprehensive support, with a particular focus on psychological and emotional well-being, as well as legal advice.
Residences are available for women facing social integration challenges. These facilities cater to women and girls experiencing difficulties with personal, family, and societal integration. They provide support for those who have completed their sentences or require a specific level of confinement.
Social Intervention for Active Seniors
The Needs of Our Elderly
Declining birth rates and increased life expectancy have led to an aging population. As people live longer, they may experience losses in affective and biological faculties, such as cardiovascular and digestive issues, as well as vision and hearing impairment.
Psychological changes can also occur, affecting intelligence, memory, psychomotor skills, and the ability to learn and solve problems. Social roles may also shift.
This aging process is unique to each individual, highlighting the need for personalized intervention. Support is crucial for actively redefining personal and social identity while addressing biological, psychological, and social needs.
Older individuals face new personal and social development situations. They may remain in the workforce longer and seek recognition for their contributions.
Social policies should promote leisure activities and personal development for seniors, emphasizing their value to society. Providing essential healthcare, maintaining income, and ensuring minimum welfare levels are vital, while reinforcing the concept of active aging as a guideline for government intervention.
European Policy Towards the Elderly
The Aging Population in Europe
Declining birth rates and rising life expectancy contribute to the aging of Western societies. Currently, one-fifth of the EU population is over 65 years old. This demographic shift presents challenges for the welfare system, particularly in meeting healthcare needs, providing home services, and ensuring mobility, leading to increased public expenditure.
The Proceedings of the EU: Measures and Programs
The 1990s witnessed increased EU activity focused on the elderly, especially during the European Year of Older People and Solidarity between Generations.
Two guiding principles of EU policy on elderly community action are complementing Member State actions and emphasizing intergenerational solidarity. Following the United Nations’ year for older persons, the European Commission’s communication ‘Towards a Europe for All Ages: Promoting Prosperity and Intergenerational Solidarity’ outlines a strategy focused on adapting employment policies to an aging workforce, adjusting pensions and benefits, and addressing healthcare and assistance needs to promote healthy aging.
These themes were reiterated in the EU’s contribution to the Second World Assembly on Aging.
A) Employment
The Commission proposes reconsidering policies that encourage early retirement and supports creating job opportunities for individuals over 50, who often work in declining industries and have fewer retraining opportunities. The EU also encourages joint initiatives between Member State governments and social partners to extend working lives.
B) Retirement
The Commission suggests adapting retirement ages to reflect longer lifespans, modifying social insurance schemes, providing better facilities and security for supplementary pension schemes, and ensuring adequate income for seniors. National pension strategies should address intergenerational and intragenerational redistribution issues. Guaranteed minimum pensions are crucial to prevent poverty and social exclusion, while maintaining a balance in public finances.
C) Health
The EU proposes strengthening preventive healthcare approaches, improving access to treatment, and promoting rehabilitation based on new technologies and therapies. Research and development programs include specific areas of study on the elderly population and disabilities. The Commission continues to support seniors through programs combating social exclusion and promoting equal opportunities, encouraging projects led by older individuals, and facilitating the exchange of experiences among member countries.