A symposium in Vienna is currently examining the consequences of the ageing population. The decline in numbers of the younger generation will reduced the potential for care within the family to about half its current level. At present 80% of elderly people in need of care are looked after in the family.
According to Social Affairs Minister Ursula Haubner, there are around 600 million people over the age of 60 in the world today. By 2050 at the latest, this age group will number two billion. The proportion of the population over the age of 60 is expected to increase to 30% in Austria by 2035.
Healthy ageing depends above all on a “partnership with one’s own body” according to Health Minister Rauch-Kallat. The findings of a new Austrian study suggest that women tend to be more open to this than men. “Obesity is one of the main risk factors linked to health attitudes”, she added. Some 62% of Austrians over the age of 50 were overweight, 17% were actually obese.
The aim of the "Healthy Ageing in Europe" symposium, according to Minister Haubner, is to draw up recommendations on how to help patients take responsibility for their own health. 250 international experts are discussing health systems, quality of life and the ageing population on Wednesday and Thursday at this event organised under the Austrian Presidency.
Minster Haubner regards the increase in life expectancy as one of mankind’s greatest successes. A key requirement for a longer, fulfilled life, however, is for elderly people to stay physically and mentally fit longer and to be able to lead independent lives. Securing the pension system in the long term is one way of achieving this. Other important factors are promoting lifelong learning and enabling elderly people to participate in society.
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