The challenges of ageing and disability
policy discussed in Helsinki
On 6-7 October 1999 150 delegates gathered in Helsinki to attend
a conference on the "Independent Living of Older Persons and Persons with
Disabilities" organised by the Finnish Presidency under the auspices of the
Ministry for Health and Social Services.
The conference - designed in part as a tribute to the UN International Year of Older Persons - set out to discuss the challenges of ageing and disability policy in the new millennium and to work towards a more inclusive and non-discriminatory society. Indeed, the Europe of the future will be a different place from today. In the next century, many more of us will live well into our 80's and 90's. And, because of the fall in Europe's fertility rates, the working age population will be smaller and older than today. This ageing - of all European societies - is a measure of our success in extending life and good health. It also demands a major shift in the paradigm upon which the European economic and social policy agenda has so far been based.
The two-day event gave those directly involved in disability and age issues a chance to discuss what has been achieved so far, and to set the stage for future action aimed at promoting independent living for older persons and persons with disabilities.
The main body of the conference consisted of three working groups from which conclusions were presented during a plenary session. The consensus was that while disabled and older persons account for a substantial and growing part of the EU population, they still do not participate on an equal footing in society. Their specific needs and demands are not sufficiently accommodated in the design or delivery of goods and services. Many physical obstacles and prejudices in attitudes have been identified as hindering their participation.
During the closing session, all delegates welcomed the Commission plans for anti-discrimination proposals that would include age and disability.
Click here to read the speech by Mr Allan Larsson (PDF), Director General for Employment and Social Affairs.
