Council conclusions on responding to demographic challenges through enhanced participation in the labour market and society by all
Thursday 21 June 2012
On 21 June 2012, the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council meeting adopted conclusions to respond to demographic challenges. Building on the work already undertaken in this area, these Conclusions will contribute to ensuring that policy measures and actions at both national and EU level are consistent and mutually supportive.
For elderly people, the Council inter alia invites the European Commission and the Member States to promote the growth of the "silver economy" in view of its positive impact on the demand for goods and services as well as on the development of new job opportunities and independent living; actively promote improvements in the accessibility of goods and services, innovative assistive technologies, devices and services that are specifically suitable for the elderly and help them to live independent, healthy and physically active lives; enhance independent living by offering adequate training and rehabilitation measures which are conducive to an independent life.
For women, the Council proposes to develop family-friendly policies that promote a balance between work, family responsibilities and private lives for women and men throughout the life cycle, through affordable and accessible quality childcare and care facilities for other dependants.
For persons with disabilities, the Council calls for the continuation of the ratification and application of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; take measures to support independent living of persons with disabilities (including transition from institutional to community-based care, including via personal assistance).
On active inclusion and participation, the Council recommends to further improve health and social services, including support for family care, aiming to facilitate the labour market participation of those with care responsibilities; develop policies for more integrated health and social care systems for older persons and persons in vulnerable situations; Open Method of Coordination, collect, analyse and exchange information on new efficient and effective methods to deliver social services through the Open Method of Coordination.
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/lsa/131109.pdf