Another Ageing for Europe!

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Another Ageing for Europe! – ENGS White aperP with Ageing Compass and Happy Ageing Indicators Another AgeingforEurope! Authors: AnitaKelles, BirgitMeinhard-Schiebel,LucilleRyanO’Shea,UteSchmitz and HappyAgeingIndicators ENGS WhiteP aper withAgeingCompass

Another Ageing for Europe! ENGS White Paper with Ageing Compass and Happy Ageing Indicators

Authors: Anita Kelles, Birgit Meinhard-Schiebel, Lucille Ryan O’Shea, Ute Schmitz Published by the Green European Foundation Printed in Belgium, December 2010

English language editing: Kitty Weinberger Production: Micheline Gutman

Printed on 100% recycled paper

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors alone. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Green European Foundation.

This publication has been realized with the financial support of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this project.

Green European Foundation asbl 1 Rue du Fort Elisabeth L–1463 Luxembourg [email protected] www.gef.eu Contents

Foreword by Philippe Lamberts 5

Foreword by Claude Weinber 6

Introduction by Tony Cooreman 7

I the Objective 9

II introduction to the Happy Ageing Indicators 9

III HAI-Indicators 11

1) Healthy Life Expectancy 11 2) Psychological Aspect of Ageing 12 3) Poverty of Elderly Men and Women 12 4) Suicides 14 5) The Politics of Ageing 15 5.1 – Constitution 16 5.2 – Legislated Senior Councils 17 5.3 – Political Representation of the Elderly in Parliament 17 6) Elderly Migrants 18 7) Intergenerationality 21

IV Psychology of Ageing: Successful Ageing and its Psychological Parameters 22

1) Greening Our Ageing Process 22 2) Psychologically healthy ageing : perspective on the past 23 3) Longitudinal Studies 26 3.1 – SHARE 27 3.2 – BASE 28 4) There is more to happy ageing than good health, good pensions 29 and social networking technology 4.1 – LBGT 31 4.2 – The Fourth Age 32 4.3 – The Immigrant: product of climate chaos 32 5) How can we age happily and approach the process of dying with courage 33 6) Intergenerationality 34 6.1 – Foxfire 34 6.2 – EMIL 35 7) Conclusions 35 8) Bibliography 36

V Questions and Answers 37

1) Example of Questionnaire 38 2) Collected Answers to Questionnaire from ESF (Istanbul, July 2010) 39 and GYG (Berlin, August 2010) 3) Answers to the Flyer 45 4) Flyer “When I am 64…” – Thoughts and Analysis 46

VI presentation of Good Practice Examples 47

Introduction of Good Practice Examples on: 1) Promoting Health 47 2) Participation in Social Life 51 2.1 – Mobility and Participation 51 2.2 – Good Public Services 52 2.3 – Social and Cultural Inclusion 52 2.4 – Fight against poverty from elderly people 55 2.5 – Voluntary Work 55 2.6 – Life Long Learning 56 3) Programs for Elderly Migrants 56 4) Political Inclusion of the Elderly 57 5) Intergenerationality 57 6) Appendix with detailed projects 58

VII Conclusions with the Study 60

VIII Next Steps 62

IX Biographies 62 [5]

Foreword by Philippe Lamberts

Ageing is usually perceived as a threat to our Meeting those challenges will require crea- social model, as it has the potential of upset- tivity from us all, and an open mind of both ting the balance of the pensions’ pillar of our decision makers and citizens as to new avenues social security systems. While we Greens do in terms of life-long education, conditions not underestimate this financial challenge, governing the transition from working age to we believe that the increased life expectancy retirement, the funding of pension systems is good news for the entire society, as long as but also on solutions that enable our senior the seniors can enjoy it in decent conditions citizens to live longer at home, in their com- and can fully participate to our society. Gone munities of choice. This need for creativity is are the days when after a long working life, recognized by the European Union, which “... people could enjoy just a few years of well de- recognises and respects the rights of the eld- served rest before fading away and this is a erly to lead a life of dignity and independence most welcome evolution. Also, we cannot un- and to participate in social and cultural life” derestimate the wealth of experience of those (Charter of Fundamental Rights, art.25), and generations, which will undoubtedly be criti- has accordingly decided to launch an innova- cal as we enter a time of deep transformation tion partnership aiming to enable our citizens of our societies - a revolution in the true sense to live longer independently in good health. of the word - in order to meet the challenges of decent life for all on a finite planet. As co-chair of the European Green Party, I am delighted that the European Network of However, the challenges are steep indeed. Green Seniors has taken the initiative of this The working age population of the EU will paper, tackling those key issues. ENGS is once fall by 20.8 million between 2005 and 2030 again proving one of the most dynamic com- whereas the number of people aged over 60 ponents of the European Green family; true is now increasing twice as fast as it did be- to the principle of leading by example, they fore 2007 - by about two million every year demonstrate that our senior citizens are part compared to one million previously, while of the solution rather than of the problem unemployment remains around 10% (not and that creativity is not the exclusive pre- counting undesired part-time labor, which rogative of youth. adds to that underemployment figure). All this happens at a time when considerable de- mand for social services remains unserved. In the EU, 17.8 % of people aged 65 or over are Philippe Lamberts, at risk of poverty and it is to be expected that Member of the European Parliament the current drive for government spending (Greens/EFA), austerity will not improve the situation. Co-Spokesperson European Green Party [6] Another Ageing for Europe!

Foreword by Claude Weinber

2012 will most likely become the European The above mentioned measures demonstrate Year of Active Ageing, following a proposal by that Europe has a lot of work to do if it is the European Commission which is expected to adequately accommodate a growing eld- to be endorsed by the European Parliament erly population. However, this demographic and Council in early 2011. This comes as no challenge needs to be rethought in terms of a surprise, given Europe’s fast ageing popula- demographic opportunity. The role of elderly tion and the serious demographic challenges people in society should be rethought, and this entails. By 2012, Europe’s working pop- elderly people should be empowered to re- ulation will be steadily decreasing, whereas main active participants in a society, be it by the population aged 60 and above will be volunteering, opportunities for work beyond increasing by 2 million each year. This trend retirement age, flexible retirement schemes will be intensified when the baby-boom gen- etc. Various solutions are available; what is erations reach retirement age. Under these still needed is the political will to ensure that circumstances, a strong political commitment the demographic challenges are tackled effi- will be needed to find sustainable and fair so- ciently and in a dignified way. lutions to the challenges posed by Europe’s changing demographics. This publication by the European Network of Green Seniors reaffirms the need for Eu- It is high time that European Union Member ropean politics and policies to guarantee the States dealt with the social, economic and imperative of a dignified standard of living for human implications of a rapidly growing eld- Europe’s fastest growing demographic. The erly population. Special attention will need topic of an ageing Europe must be present to be paid to several issues. The access of on European political agendas and cannot be elderly people to long term preventive and in- postponed for later any longer. This is why tegrated health care should be facilitated and the Green European Foundation welcomes guaranteed. Medical progress and a general and supports this first attempt of the Euro- increase to the European standard of living pean Network of Green Seniors to discuss the have insured that the life expectancy of Eu- possibilities for another ageing in Europe. ropeans has continually increased; however, increasing healthy life expectancy is where the Claude Weinber policy focus should be. Poverty rates among Secretary General Green European the older European population are increas- Foundation ing, especially for women. In a social Europe, Brussels, 1 December 2010 elderly people need to be guaranteed a dignified standard of living in Europe, including decent pensions, age adequate housing, and affordable mobility schemes, to list but a few. [7]

Introduction by Tony Cooreman

Dear reader, dear friend, from Switzerland, Czech Republic, Romania, Ireland, Malta, Sweden, Spain and France have On the occasion of this “White paper” it is joined us. nothing short of normal to introduce the group responsible for this publication to you. In 2008, the EGP granted the ENGS the status of observer. Our short-term aim is to be ac- The ENGS – The European Network of Green cepted as an EGP member. Seniors – was founded on 7th December 2005 by a group of Green seniors originating from In the past five years we have held work- 7 countries and 8 political parties. Seniors shops on various issues and themes which from Belgium (both Flanders and Wallonia), we recorded in the ENGS Manifesto. Fringe the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Finland, Eng- Meetings on these issues were organised each land, Austria and Germany created the ENGS time EGP Councils were held, on topics such at the European Parliament in Brussels. as: “A new treaty between Young and Old“, “Assistance to Elderly Migrants“,“Against an Its goal was simple: to stimulate cooperation increasing liberalisation of Social Services”, between all Green seniors represented in the “Senior Citizens Rights“ and, last but not European Green Party (EGP) founded since least, ”Ageing differently is possible”. 2004. Increasingly, Europe controls and gov- erns the social and economic aspects of our A task force was created for this last project. societies and both greens and environmental- We received support from the GEF – the ists, who by their very nature are not bound Green European Foundation – to publish our by any national frontiers and think and act project in a white paper, and we hope you across borders, can and must cooperate in- will appreciate this paper and find positive ternationally, always paying due attention to incentives in it so that you can age pleasantly the concept of solidarity. together with us!

It is our objective to encourage the largest de- Why have we seized the opportunity to write mographic group in Europe, people over 55, a “white paper“ on it? to exchange their experience and knowledge, to study from a senior citizen perspective all Europe ages! Ageing takes place at a fast aspects of society and to reflect critically on pace! This is both a success and a challenge! them. On the basis of these reflections we Since ageing costs money, a lot of money and would like to pass on our findings to Green even too much money according to some! MEPs. They will be invited to make sure that Not the fact that people get older worries us, our critical recommendations are heard and but how they get older. In this white paper eventually find their way into laws, resolu- we have listed a number of “Happy Ageing tions and directives. Indicators” (HAI). On the basis of these indicators we have examined the policies on In the meantime our network has grown and ageing adopted in as many European coun- now has members from 15 countries! Members tries as possible. In doing so, our HAI serve as [8] Another Ageing for Europe! a compass for the implementation of political a lot of effort into the writing of this white pa- and social processes enabling people to age per. They obviously deserve our many thanks happily. for a job well done.

In addition to the HAI we have also listed We also would like to thank the Green Europe- a selection of “good practices – good ex- an Foundation. Leonore Gewessler and Marina amples” in this white paper. These concern Barbalata in particular have kept us on track projects set up by various bodies aiming to and their support and expert advice enabled have a positive influence on ageing. We hope us to write this white paper. that these good examples will encourage other countries to adopt such practices and We hope our readers will find inspiration in it, implement them in their communities. for one thing is paramount: we would all like to age as happily as possible! The reader will find at the end of this book a short biography of the four authors of this white paper. Anita Kelles – Finland, Birgit Tony Cooreman Meinhard-Schiebel – Austria, Ute Schmitz – Chairman ENGS, Antwerp Germany and Lucille Ryan O’Shea – Ireland put 6 September 2010 [9]

I. The Objective With the help of indicators, monitored on a regular basis, we can in future formulate Eu- Politics must be based on facts and real life rope-wide political campaigns on good ageing situations of people and their living condi- that are based on realities of people and not tions and environment. For that reason we on wishful thinking of political decision makers. have put together indicators with statistics on the situation of elderly people in the ENGS When formulating new policies and strate- member countries. gies, we do not have to reinvent the wheel. We have also collected good practice models Too long the elderly have been blamed for from our member countries from which other being tax and budget burdens. That in itself countries can learn. More such good practic- is one form of age discrimination. Banish- es need to be collected in future. ing the elderly to a marginal status in society costs our economies billions of Euros. At the end of the paper we present best practice examples in five areas. From these exam- Seniors are not the problem, nor is ageing ples, political strategies for the country can a problem. Ageing is a biological fact. The be developed based on the changing situa- problem is not that people age, but how tions of indicators in that particular country. they age. And how they age, is not just determined by biology. It is determined by healthy II. Introduction to or unhealthy lifestyles, by wealth or poverty, the Happy Ageing by lack of dignity or respect for senior rights Indicators and whether seniors feel positive or are de- pressed. We should be concerned how to We have put together a carefully selected set reduce personal, social and economic costs of indicators, which we call Happy Aging In- from bad ageing. It is a deeply political issue. dicators (HAI). Happiness means more than just a cheerful mood. Happiness for us im- In order to move in the right direction, first plies a sense of well-being as a result of peo- old beliefs and practices must disappear. Old ple feeling adequately nourished and cared stereotypes influence policies and politics of for, housed in a safe environment, valued and ageing. We can highlight age discrimination respected as full-fledged citizens and with in the media, in politics and in society in gen- relative health. Our indicators approximate eral. We have decided to make problems vis- and capture some of this happiness. We also ible with the help of statistics. They point to try to cover - fragmentarily for the time being underlying problems. We are confronted with – political institutions in our countries. vicious circles that produce unhealthy and costly outcomes through insufficient budgets Indicators always influence policies and politics. for elderly care, decreasing pensions, lack of According to Joseph Stiglitz,1 what we meas- recognition of elderly people as valued mem- ure affects what we do. If our measurements bers of society as well as lack of institutions, cover only one dimension, then we will end up services and facilities for their full political strengthening only that one dimension. If the participation in society. indicators are flawed, then the results too become distorted. We believe that new indicators

1 2008 report “Happiness and Measuring Economic Progress”. [10] Another Ageing for Europe! are required to monitor socio-economic progress. There should not be too many indica- The UN too has called for this shift of emphasis, tors. Decision makers and ordinary peo- from measuring just economic progress to meas- ple can only keep a limited number of uring people’s well-being. indicators in mind. Geoff Mulgan has put it at about five.2 We have 10 indica- Our Happy Aging Indicators should be used like tors, but we are covering only four areas: a political compass. They can track changes over healthy life expectancy, at-risk poverty time and political agendas need to reflect these ratio, suicides and political inclusion. changes, if they wish to fulfill their democratic role. Statistical data will show where progress ENGS members have contributed the politi- needs to be made and where right action has cal data. For this reason, we have collected been taken. data only from the ENGS member countries. Nevertheless, we had to omit a few mem- The compass consists of 10 indicators, based ber countries, which are not included in the on two criteria: a) they reflect the status of European Union Public Health Information well-being of elderly people; and b) informa- system (health being a key indicator for us). tion is readily available in statistics that are We cover Austria, Belgium, the Czech Re- comparable between countries and collected public, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, on a regular basis. Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Table 1: Healthy life expectancy and poverty of elderly women (w) and men (m) Country Healthy life HLE trend % Poverty % Poverty % Poverty expectancy 1995-2003 of 65+ of 75+ of 75+ at 65 in 2003 in 2006 in 2006 in 2008 w m w m w m w m w m Austria 6.6 6.7 +1.6 +6.2 20 13 31 17 18 12 Belgium 9.5 9.1 +2.8 +4.1 21 20 30 29 25 22 Czech 6.9 6.5 n.a. n.a. 6 1 n.a. n.a. 11 3 Finland 6.5 6.2 -1.2 +2.6 20 11 30 5 35 22 France 9.4 8.2 +1.5 +0.6 17 14 23 17 13 10 Germany 5.9 6.5 +0.4 +5.0 18 10 39 32 18 10 Ireland 9.9 9.1 -2.2 +0.2 45 34 63 45 28 17 Luxemb. 9.2 9.3 n.a. n.a. 6 6 10 9 8 4 Malta 11.1 10.5 n.a. n.a. 21 19 n.a. n.a. 20 25 Netherl. 10.9 10.4 -3.3 +0.7 6 7 9 6 10 13 Spain 9.1 9.6 +2.5 +2.6 32 27 27 22 34 30 Sweden 10.9 10.5 +2.2 +0.5 18 9 n.a. n.a. 28 13 UK 11.1 10.3 -0.3 +0.9 27 21 36 23 35 31

2 see http://www.oxfamblogs.org/fp2p/?tag=mulgan [11]

We have also included information and back- The countywide gap is from 10.5 years in ground materials on public expenditure on Malta to 6.2 years in Finland. The Nether- health, long-term and old age care as well as lands (10.4 years), Spain (9.6 years), Luxem- dependency ratio and gini figures on the in- bourg (9.3 years), Belgium (9.1 years) and equality of retired people. Ireland (9.1 years) are also among the top in our sample. III. HAI - Indicators Whereas life expectancy in all our countries is 1) Healthy Life Expectancy higher for women than men, this is not the case when it comes to healthy life expect- Healthy life expectancy is a better indicator3 ancy. In Austria, Germany, Luxembourg and than mere life expectancy for guiding social Spain men can expect to stay healthy longer policy. It shows the healthy life that can be ex- than women. National studies are required to pected either from birth or after 65. We have explain why this is happening, particularly in included the latter. Table 1 in the preceding Austria and Germany. page also shows the trend in healthy life-expectancy, whether it is increasing or decreas- Many studies also point out that here social ing. This trend is important for monitoring class matters too - whether you are rich or purposes. The cost does not come from long poor, highly or poorly educated. The gaps are life per se but from long years of bad health. said to be larger than gender differences. We have not found comparable statistics. If they From Table 1 we can see that the situation dif- become available, they should be included in fers between men and women. Men generally the indicators. live shorter healthy lives. However, their healthy life is now increasing in all our target countries. For comparison’s sake, Denmark is one of The situation with women, however, is becom- the best performers among the EU countries ing alarming. Their healthy years decreased be- when it comes to healthy life expectancy at tween 1995 and 2003: in the Netherlands (by 65: 14.1 years for women and 13.1 years for 3 years), Ireland (by 2 years), Finland (by 1.2 men after age 65. It is known that Denmark years) and the UK (by 0.3 years). has progressive old age policies that include long-term preventive and integrated health- There is a big gap between top countries and care. We will look at some good practice ex- poor performers on healthy life expectancy of amples from Denmark and from the ENGS women. It varies from 11.1 years in Malta and countries at the end of the report. the UK to 5.9 years in Germany. Other top performers include the Netherlands (10.9 years) How do these figures relate to information on and Sweden (10.9 years). Ireland (9.9 years), public expenditures on health, long-term care Belgium (9.5 years), France (9.4 years), Luxem- and particularly on old age care? Some con- bourg (9.2 years) and Spain (9.1 years) are also nections are visible in Table 2. The two top per- doing well. formers i.e. the Netherlands and Sweden have the highest budget contribution to long-term and old age care. Denmark also has the highest public expenditures. All three countries

3 Eurostat 2007. http://www.euphix.org/object_document/o5219n27073.html [12] Another Ageing for Europe! also have the highest expenditures4 on insti- 3) Poverty of Elderly Men and Women tutional care.5 However, minor increases do not bring a country to the top, the increase The social status of many elderly people in needs to be significant. Another characteris- Europe is vulnerable. Even countries estimat- tic these three countries share is the relatively ed high in their social progress and gender low inequality of the retired as demonstrated equality by the UNDP, have a high poverty in- by the “gini rate”. 6 cidence of the elderly, particularly of women (Table 1).7 But the elderly poverty rate may be 2) Psychologically healthy ageing even higher, because “Eurostat data” include only private households, excluding people liv- Another important Happy Ageing Indicator is ing in sheltered housing and in institutions a psychologically healthy ageing. This indica- providing nursing and living care. tor is broadly developed in Chapter IV of this white-book, that deals specifically with the In 2008, about 19% of the elderly population parameters of the psychology of ageing. (people over 65 years) that is 16 million people in Europe risk being poor.8

Table 2: Country-wise background information Country % GDP exp % GDP % GDP Old age Inequality UNDP health public ex- public ex- dependency Gini of penditure penditure ratio 2003 2007 retired HDI GDI long-term old age 2010 mid 2000 2009 2007 care Austria 10.3 10.1 1.3 n.a. 25.9 0.28 14 23 Belgium 10.2 10.2 1.5 n.a. 26.4 0.24 17 11 Czech 7.4 6.8 0.3 n.a. 21.6 0.2 36 31 Finland 8.1 8.2 1.0 0.7 25.9 0.24 12 8 France 10.9 11.0 0.9 n.a 26.2 0.31 8 6 Germany 10.8 10.4 0.9 n.a. 30.9 0.27 22 20 Ireland 7.3 7.6 0.6 n.a. 16.7 0.28 5 10 Luxemb. 7.5 n.a. 1.3 n.a. 20.5 0.23 11 16 Malta n.a n.a n.a. n.a. 21.2 n.a. 38 32 Netherl. 9.8 9.8 3.6 2.5 22.9 0.24 6 7 Spain 8.1 8.5 0.3 0.2 25.3 0.31 15 9 Sweden 9.4 9.1 3.9 2.4 28.1 0.22 7 5 UK 7.8 8.4 1.2 1.2 25.1 0.27 21 17

4 OECD and national statistics 2004-2008. 5 Discussion paper Who Cares? http://www.se2009.eu/polopoly_fs/1.15230!menu/standard/file/Discussion%20Paper-Who%20Cares3.pdf 6 Full equality is 0 and 1 means full in-equality, Source OECD statistics. 7 Eurostat data on poverty has been harmonized between the countries so that information becomes comparable between countries. Poverty or rather what is called at-risk-of-poverty is calculated by using 60 % of median income poverty threshold for each country. 8 Asghar Zaidi: Poverty Risks for Older People in EU Countries - An update. European Centre 2010. [13]

Women are most at risk of poverty. In the redistributive system of pension benefits. Ac- ENGS member countries in 2006, poverty of cording to her the Netherlands, Luxembourg, women above 659 was particularly high in Ire- Austria, France and Sweden will fall in this land (45%), Spain (32%) and the UK (27%). It category. The Netherlands, for example, pro- was particularly low in the Netherlands (6%), vide a strong social safety net in form of a Luxembourg (6%) and the Czech Republic basic and rather generous pension (31% of (6%). In case of men highest poverty rate was general earnings), which is paid at a single found in the same countries: Ireland (34%), rate, regardless of people`s other resources. Spain (27%) and the UK (21%). In general, the risk for poverty is higher for After age 75 the situation further deteriorat- women and it is particularly high for women ed in 2006, especially with women in Ireland above age 75. The risk for poverty for this (63%!) and UK (36%). Poverty was still high for group has increased also in the three Baltic 75+ in Spain, but it decreased from 32% to countries, i.e. Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. 27% for women and from 27% to 22% for men. Spain and Ireland have experienced a decline Germany also jumped to high poverty figures of poverty, because minimum pensions rose both for women (from 18% to 39 %) and men substantially. In Belgium poverty decreased (from 10% to 32%). The percentage of many too, because of a means tested supplement others also drastically increased, particularly for and the increase of minimum income guar- women. In Finland poverty of 75+ women in- antees for retirees respectively. creased to 30% from 20% of those 65+. Curi- ously that of men decreased from 11% to 5%. The variation of poverty rates within the Eu- For the best performers the increase of poverty ropean Union have also been explained by a for 75+ also increased but not much. In addi- shorter job participation and higher part-time tion, in the Netherlands the poverty of men of employment of women in some countries as 75+ decreased from 7% to 6%. well as by a different form and development of pension systems. High rate of widowhood The good news is that the poverty figures for combined with lack of a work-pension and the age 75+ for 2008 indicate that poverty inadequate survivor’s benefit for women has was declining in most countries for both men been proposed as another reason for high and women, except for the Netherlands and incidence of poverty in elderly women. Even Finland. The biggest decrease took place in though more women are in the labor force Ireland from 63% to 28% for women and now, expected to draw more job-related pen- from 45% to 17% for men. In the Nether- sions in future, there are nevertheless other lands the increase for women was from 9% risks on the horizon: decrease of public pen- to 10% and for men from 6% to 13%. In Fin- sions because of current pension reforms in land the poverty rate increased more drasti- many countries and a more restrictive redistri- cally particularly for men from 5% to 22%. bution that may favor only the lowest income In addition the already high rate of women’s individuals. Another risk will come from the poverty increased there from 30% to 35%. employment pattern: from increasing short- term and temporary employment and infor- According to Zaidi a low poverty risk rate mal sector work in grey zones, particularly usually results from a mature, generous and affecting immigrant populations. All in all,

9 EU_SILC 2008 data. [14] Another Ageing for Europe! risk of poverty for future elderly populations four times, even five times higher in many in EURO countries is expected to increase ac- countries. We can conclude that suicides cording to various studies.10 In addition, the have an elderly face and particularly that of situation will worsen also because of the cur- an elderly man. According to the EUrostat rent economic and financial crisis. The crisis data of 2005, those over 65 years commit- will put pressure on budgets, cutting social ted 33% of suicides. Compared with the safety nets in many countries. age group of 15-24 it is three times higher. The biggest risk is for men over 75 years. In 4) Suicides Austria the incidence (per 100 000) is 75.2, Luxembourg (68.4), France (68.1), Belgium We have already observed that elderly women (58.7), Germany (49.8), the Czech Republic are most prone to poverty as well as to poor (47.6) and Finland (41.3) follow. For com- health. Curiously it is the elderly men not parison’s sake, the highest rate for women women, who commit most suicides in Europe. in the same age group is 18.4 in Austria fol- lowed by France (13.9), Germany (13.7) and There is a countrywide variation in suicide rates Belgium (13.1). The good performers in life across Europe.11 There are also gender differ- expectancy also fare relatively better when it ences (Table 3). On average suicide risk is 3.3 comes to suicide. This is the case particularly times higher for elderly men than for elderly with the Netherlands but also to some degree women. This in spite of the fact that double to with Sweden, but not with our comparison triple the number of women lives alone.12 country Denmark.13

Age is a risk factor. Although Eurostat has re- What do these figures tell us? For those over ported a decreasing trend of suicides in Eu- 75 the pensions are often at their lowest rope in 2005, this is not the case with elderly level, but the health costs may be increasing. suicides. In countries covered by our report Some studies claim a direct link between sui- and based on the WHO 2007 data the situ- cides and socio-economic conditions.14 This ation is grim for many countries. There is a theory, however, would make women par- general increase of suicides in Belgium, Fin- ticularly prone to commit suicide, since they land, France, Germany, Ireland, Malta, the are overrepresented among the aging poor. Netherlands and Spain. A decreasing trend is What about poor health? Some of the coun- visible in Austria, the Czech Republic, Luxem- tries with very short healthy life expectancy of bourg, Sweden (except for women) and the men are Finland, the Czech Republic, Germa- UK. There is also a wide variation of suicide ny and Austria, but most of these countries rates between the countries from 6.4 inci- do not figure at the top of the elderly suicide dences in the UK to 18.8 in Finland. statistics. Other countries with longer healthy life expectancy are found on top of the sui- There are also major gender differences. On cide statistics. The reasons must be elsewhere an average the risk for men is about three to or more complex. Do men find it more - dif

10 Zaidi 2006; EU-SILC 2006; Eläketurvakeskuksen keskustelualoitteita 2009:8: Vanhuusköyhyyden jäljillä. 11 On suicides, WHO 2007 statistics (number per 100,000) were used except for Spain, for which 2005 data was only available. 12 Eurostat 2001 Census. EU SILC 2008 data. 13 see also http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_sui_rat_in_age_abo_75-suicide-rates-ages-above-75 14 According to one study high suicide rates are also marked by high levels of at-risk-of-poverty and low health care expenditures (F.Ferretti and A Coluccia: Socio-economic factors and suicide rates in European Union countries, in: Legal Medicine, Vol 11 2009). [15] ficult - because of their strong work orienta- be the tendency to ignore depressive moods tion and their need to be in control - to cope or manifest depressions. The self-perception with ageing and loosing social status? of viral strength and vitality can strongly influence the suppression of psychosocial prob- Looking at the gender difference as regards lems and lead to suicide. health approach a possible cause for an in- (Internet: Der erste Deutsche Männergesund- creased suicide rate in older men could also heitsbericht)

Table 3: Suicides rates of elderly women (w) and men (m) per 100 000 people per year Country Suicides at 65 + Suicidesat 75 + Country status in 2007 in 2007 w m w m w m Austria 13.2 33.1 18.4 75.1 11 10 Belgium 13.9 32.8 13.1 58.7 10 9 Czech 5.6 33.0 11.2 47.6 6 7 Finland 11.2 33.8 6.4 41.3 7 8 France 13.9 36.6 13.9 68.1 11 11 Germany 9.1 27.9 13.7 49.8 9 6 Ireland 3.0 17.2 1.6 11.1 1 2 Luxemb. 0.0 36.0 5.2 68.4 2 11 Malta 0.0 20.3 6.8 10.9 4 2 Netherl. 6.2 13.3 6.0 18.5 5 3 Spain 7.1 20.6 7.8 38.5 6 4 Sweden 9.2 29.1 9.9 36.5 8 5 UK 3.3 8.4 2.8 11.7 3 1

5) The Politics of Ageing seniors in their role as citizens with full rights to influence matters, directly or indirectly rel- Political participation and social influence are evant to them. Yet our societies tend to give the rights of all citizens, including the elderly. the seniors only a role as recipients of deci- So is political representation. Nor is politics a sions made by others, at worst even without job from which one retires. It is a democratic consulting them. right and responsibility that belongs to us all. Under politics of ageing, we look at three With politics of ageing, we will analyze politi- issues: 1) whether elderly people are recog- cal voices and institutions. We asses the ex- nized in constitutions as an explicit group, istence of basic legislative structures, which au par with other social groups; 2) wheth- are required to empower seniors and elderly er legislated elderly boards exist at a local people, and to include senior voices into so- government level; and 3) the percentage of ciety integrating their concerns. Institutional Members of Parliaments of ages 60-70 and empowerment is a basis also for empowering above 70. [16] Another Ageing for Europe!

5.1 – Constitution The revised European Social Charter of 1996 in addition recognizes and safeguards elderly Non-discrimination on grounds of age has rights to social protection. been a part of the principles of the European Community since the Treaty of Amsterdam The basic principles of general non-discrimi- (article 13 of EC). The European Charter of nation and social protection are also endorsed Fundamental Rights guarantees fundamen- by most constitutions of EU countries. Yet, tal rights of the elderly in the European Un- elderly rights are not explicitly mentioned in ion. It has been enforced now with the Lisbon many constitutions. Such recognition would Treaty. Rights of the elderly are endorsed in be important, because there is a general non- the EU as principles of dignity and non-dis- recognition of rights of elderly and subse- crimination. The Charter in its article 25 “rec- quently discrimination in all aspects of life. ognizes and respects the rights of the elderly The constitutional status of elderly rights is to lead a life of dignity and independence seen in Table 4. and to participate in social and cultural life.”

Table 4: Political representation : constitutional rights, elderly boards and elderly MPs Country Constitutional rights Elderly Boards % of elderly MPs in of elderly Parliament yes/no yes/no 60-69 70+ Austria yes yes 12 0 Belgium yes Czech Rep. yes Finland yes no 25 2 France partly (means for living)

Germany no yes 20.4 1.6 Ireland yes Luxembourg no

Malta no national council of elders 4.5 0.6 Netherlands no no 8 1.3 Spain yes Sweden in plans no 8.8 1.1 UK HR act & equality no bill expected

Constitutional rights are, however, left in lim- courts. Finland does not, whereas Austria, bo without institutional enforcement by Con- France, Germany, Czech Republic, the Nether- stitutional Courts. Not all countries have such lands and Luxembourg do. [17]

5.2 – Legislated Senior Councils There are Senior Boards – they work at a communal level and they are legislated. Unlike in Democracy is a process, not an outcome. It Finland and Sweden, where Boards are vol- only progresses with active and equal citi- untary, they are mandatory in Norway and zens. It is constrained by any discrimination Denmark. Moreover, in Denmark Board mem- that creates barriers between people and bers are selected in communal elections from excludes them from full participation. Social among citizens of 60 years and above. exclusion marginalizes people by making one social group less important compared to oth- In Denmark there are also Boards with mem- ers. In addition to a less influential position, bership of users of services and next of kin. marginality also means getting access just to They not only strengthen participative democ- marginal resources and lesser rights, if at all. racy, but also monitor good functioning of This is the case with elderly people in our so- services. These Boards also participate in leg- cieties. They lack full citizens’ rights and are islative inspection visits to care institutions in perceived as passive recipients of welfare. Denmark. This state of affairs in Denmark has There are many organizations and institutions, resulted from a long and consistent reform, which speak on their behalf. Their own voice, goal of which has been the influence and however, is missing. What applies to the voice self-determination of elderly citizens in their of other easily marginalized groups, applies wellbeing and in choosing their care. In many also to the elderly. Kalle Könkkölä, a disabled countries elderly people do not play such an people’s leader, has said “nothing about us, active role in their well-being. They are passive without us”. It is not enough to be represent- subjects to be transferred from one care insti- ed by others, it is important to have one’s own tution to another. Such practices are unfitting representatives among decision-makers. for modern times and not in line with human rights’ obligations and modern democratic Seniors are missing in many levels of govern- practices. In Denmark elderly people in insti- ment. This is the case also with the Senior tutions are not considered patients or clients, Councils in local government, but even when but citizens with full citizens’ rights. they exist, they are only voluntary bodies. Lack of representative senior boards is a form 5.3 – Political Representation of institutional discrimination. of the Elderly in the Parliaments

We have managed to get information on the Society belongs to all, including people of all existence of Senior Boards in many, but not all ages. This concept is not working if the elderly our member countries. In Finland there is only lack a voice in the political institutions. Eld- an Advisory Senior Council. As a voluntary erly people are also not just one homogenous institution it is often not consulted even on group. As we have seen from above, there are policies dealing with elder care. Youth Coun- major differences between women and men, cils, however, are consulted on elderly care, between rich and poor, as well as between because they are legislated with a mandatory different age groups. It is alarming that we consultative role. The existence of legislated do not seem to have many elderly any more Senior Councils is an important indicator of in the Parliaments. It is due to exclusion and the political seriousness in recognizing the due to erroneous ideas of considering a po- rights of the elderly. litical position a profession, from which one has to retire. With serious problems among [18] Another Ageing for Europe! the elderly, such as poverty and suicides, as are usually not barrier-free, i.e. not suited for well as deteriorating health and well-being elderly persons. we need elderly of all ages to represent themselves. Even with our incomplete information, In the same age group of people in the host we can see that participation numbers are not country usually the repudiation of foreigners, in line with demographic numbers. Moreover, of foreign cultural behavior and distrust to- it is alarming that those over 75 years, who wards foreigners is quite marked. have the largest problems, are hardly repre- Since older migrants usually are not part of sented any more. the work force any longer there are hardly any institutionalized programs to support 6) Elderly Migrants them meaningfully in the new country.

Migration politics is controversial in almost all Older migrants in all European countries be- European countries and only in some points long to an age group that is threatened by correspond to the International Convention poverty. They are usually also inadequately on Refugees and to Human Rights. cared for in case of illness or in need of care and are not dealt with according to their own One has to differentiate between refugees, cultural background. asylum seekers and immigrants. While young people find better chances for integration Since the group of migrants of the first gen- and may migrate further, older migrants are eration has reached an age where they rely an ever growing group which has to suffer on help and care, provisions have to be taken. from special personal, institutional and social Traditionally old people in their home coun- disadvantages. tries were looked after by their families. Our institutions for elderly care are very much Many of the today’s older migrants came disliked by migrants. Inpatient care is foreign as so-called guest workers und originally to them and unknown in most of their home planned to return to their home countries af- countries. ter retiring. The situation is especially difficult for older migrants in a foreign country. In future more migrants will have to be cared for in institutions because we can assume Even years of stay in a country does not that not all of them can live in families or guarantee successful integration. Integration neighborhood structures that care for them. means to remain individually independent Traditional family structures will also crumble. and thus be accepted into the culture and so- These persons will need help and therefore a ciety of the new country. Taking stock of the special need for multi-cultural senior centers life of migrants often means lacking language is expected. skills, disease, poverty in old age as well as social isolation which can be the result of dis- The objective life situation and the subjec- solving family relations. tive needs of the various ethnic groups and nationalities are very different. Therefore, no The biggest difficulties are incurred with pen- standard solution can be found due to the sion and the living conditions. Apartments different ethnic, religious and cultural origins and the social situation. [19]

Many migrants of the first generation have e) an inter-cultural opening and moderniza- in the past contributed substantially to the tion of senior care with specific cooperation economy and to the success of the social with organizations of migrants; life of the new immigrants in the immigrant countries. In order for migrants to participate f) support of the European network for “de- also in older age in the social life, ENGS ad- velopment of innovative concepts for social vocates a policy of equal opportunities, espe- integration of older migrants” and its prolif- cially in old age. eration [24];

We see the integration of migrants as a proc- g) providing practical information about the ess towards a life in a legal frame with equal right to social benefits, pensions, health care social justice and cultural self-determination. in the host and home country by means of Precise concepts will have to be developed for public institutions, community centers, mi- the near future. grant-organizations, cultural centers and religious institutions; The above mentioned facts are a large challenge for some European countries to provide h) advice for the adaptation of age-adequate a just solution of the problems. Immediate ac- and barrier-free apartments; tion is called for. i) developing models for integrated living for Green age policies propose the need for help migrants; in the following fields: j) creation of multi-cultural senior centers. a) to create contact points with multi-lingual employees, in order to avoid language and In Duisburg/Germany the first multi-cultur- information barriers, e.g. to create a system al senior center has been established [25] of health guides with interpreters; DRK-Multicultural Seniorencenter „Haus am Sandberg“ in Duisburg Hochfeld-Hochheide / b) also older migrants should be offered lan- Germany. guage courses in their respective language; The “Haus am Sandberg” is a multi-cultural c) information and provision of care, health senior-center. Since its foundation in 1997 the and rehabilitation systems for migrants, forms house is known all over the country and vis- of self-help and social care; ited frequently. More than 250 visitor groups from all over the world wanted to get infor- d) the personnel for these services has to have mation about the concept of the house. It is specific training in the field of health, sickness an example for a multi-cultural residential in- and old age care, especially for the care and stitution. support of older migrants. The care and medical personnel need more communicative and inter-cultural competencies; [20] Another Ageing for Europe!

Table 5: Countries whose citizens are the most numerous immigrants to EU Members States, 2006

Belgium (2003) Czech Republic Denmark Germany Greece (1) Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Netherlands 8 547 Ukraine 30 150 Poland 3 616 Poland 152 733 Albania 36 841 Morocco 8 444 Slovakia 6 781 Germany 2 743 Turkey 30 720 Bulgaria 13 210 France 8 191 Vietnam 6 433 Norway 1 880 Romania 23 743 Romania 5 034 Turkey 3 831 Russia 4 675 USA 1 840 Hungary 18 654 Egypt 4 843 Germany 2 942 Moldovia 2 377 Ukraine 1 650 Poland 152 733 Ukraine 3 290

Spain France (1) Italy 2003 Cyprus Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Romania 131 457 Algeria 28 454 Romania 74 463 Sri Lanka 1 838 Morocco 78 512 Morocco 24 054 Albania 46 587 United Kingdom 30 720 Bolivia 77 755 China 11 232 Ukraine 41 263 Philippines 1 443 United Kingdom 42 535 Tunisia 10 345 Morocco 32 369 Greece 1 236 Columbia 35 621 Turkey 8 760 Educator 16 987 Poland 941

Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Hungary Netherlands Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Russia 803 Belarus 647 Portugal 3 796 Romania 6 813 Germany 7 150 Lithuania 269 Russia 396 France 2 510 Ukraine 2 365 Poland 6 772 United Germany 223 Ukraine 294 Germany 929 China 1 466 3 583 Kingdom Estonia 80 USA 141 Belgium 911 Germany 1 176 USA 3 121 Serbia and Ukraine 76 Germany 84 Italy 619 1 120 Cina 2 908 Montenegro (2)

Austria Portugal Romania Slovenia Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Germany 16 223 Ukraine 7 063 Moldova 4 349 Bosnia and Herzegovina 7 871 Serbia and Serbia and 7 423 Brazil 6 036 China 364 4 447 Montenegro (2) Montenegro (2) The former Yug. Rep. of Poland 6 035 Moldova 2 646 Italy 313 2 097 Macedonia Turkey 4 897 Cape Verde 1 723 USA 292 Croatia 1 146 Romania 4 757 Romania 1 610 Turkey 273 Ukraine 357

Slovakia Finland Sweden United Kingdom Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Citizens of Number Czech Republic 1 294 Estonia 2 468 Iraq 10 850 Poland 59 771 Poland 1 132 Russia 2 146 Poland 6 347 India 56 850 Ukraine 1 007 Sweden 749 Denmark 5 137 China 25 927 Germany 913 China 512 Somalia 2 974 South Africa 16 213 Serbia and 640 India 504 Germany 2 883 Australia 26 004 Montenegro (2)

(1) See country information in ‘Methodological notes‘. (2) Country of citizenship Serbia and Montenegro refer to the country Serbia and Montenegro, wich existed between 2003 and 2006. [21]

Methodological notes: 7) Intergenerationality

Data sources This term comprises solidarity and equality The data used for this publication are provid- among all generations. ed by the national statistical institutes (NSI) of the Member States, the majority of which Due to demographic changes inequalities base their statistics on data available from might occur between the generations, where population registers, registers of foreigners we have to judge according to judicial equity. or other similar administrative databases. Inequality is now mostly seen between age Due to missing data and differences in the and generation groups, especially as regards definitions used in national statistics, an over- safeguards for the elderly. Socio-political view of immigration in the EU as a whole is measures may even increase the inequality. impossible without making adjustments and Here is a striking example: in the last decades estimations. Eurostat estimates the annual poverty in old age has changed drastically, it total numbers of immigrants and the number has almost disappeared, but poverty of chil- of immigrants by citizenship group in the EU- dren and young people is increasing. 27 based on available country data. Detailed data on Member States are presented if sup- Generation conflicts may arise from this plied by the NSI. systemic inequality. Green politics warns to use this conflict as an instrument of politi- Definitions and coverage cal destabilization and demands to promote The migration data collected by Eurostat re- generation solidarity in all aspects. fer to international migration. The definitions used in international migration statistics The demographic change appears to shift pow- should meet the requirements of the UN Rec- er to the elderly, which is not true but could be ommendations on Statistics of International used as an argument in the discussions. Migration, Revision 1,1998. In the Eurostat data collection, a migrant is defined as a long- Green senior politics wants to prevent one- term migrant, i.e. a person who establishes his/ sided arguments and to take responsibility her usual place of residence in the destination for well-balanced politics showing solidarity country for 12 months or more. In reality, most towards intergenerationalty. Member States use national definitions that do not fully meet the definition. Dialogue models for young and old people, alongside with developing perspectives and Statistics in focus — 98/2008 11 Data: Euro- socially justified and secure models for secur- stat Website: http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat ing a worthwhile life have to be available during the whole life.

Politics for young and old must not counter- act the obligation of the individual countries and governments to provide social security and to make do only with private care. [22] Another Ageing for Europe!

Economic security for all generations also im- We Greens believe all human beings - re- plies the common development and care for gardless of sex, age, sexual orientation or the ecological present and future. identity, ethnic origin or disability- have the right to make their own choices, to ex- Young and old together guarantee a sensible press themselves freely and to shape their future-oriented ecology of the century due to own lives. This freedom is not exclusively their youthful curiosity and the knowledge about material possessions; it includes the acquired by older people. social, cultural, intellectual and spiritual di- mensions of human life. Green politics always puts the integral human and life model at the center of its activities, Since the foundation of the coordination body contrary to other politics. of Green Parties in Europe in 1984, the aim of the European Greens has been to work to- Green youth politics never was a means of re- gether for all. We all – Greens at any age - by cruitment of future functionaries. It is open reason of those principles which guide our and innovative. decisions and actions – vow to work together to ensure that ageing people everywhere are Green politics for seniors is new and offers regarded with respect, dignity, equality of op- the opportunity to install real generation poli- portunity, representation, freedom and justice. tics, together with the young generation. Many of those who wrote the original tenets The so-called intergenerative stress test must for the federation of European Green Parties are not lead to political abuse in order to take now in that category we call ‘young old’, or in budgetary measures at the expense of old the next age group we refer to as the ‘middle and young people. It may only be used as an old’. There are even some people who started instrument to measure generational justice. rather late in their Green political careers, who are now in the fourth age – ‘the oldest old’. IV. Psychology of Ageing: Successful Ageing Whether we are currently Young Greens, and its Psychological Green Seniors, or that large group in the mid- Parameters dle, who have no name – as yet, we must all work to ensure that those who are currently 1) Greening Our Ageing Process old, and those who will be, can count on the Greens to uphold our right to happy, healthy The question: What is ‘green’ about happy age- autonomous ageing. ing?, demands examination of green principles. Regardless of which category the reader is cur- In writing the ensuing chapter, the author rently in, he or she, will become part of the has maintained as a focus, the basic guiding demographics of ‘old’ or ‘elderly’ or ‘ageing’ principles of the European Green Party. Those or ‘aged’. Preparation for those stages in life principles provide the foundation for how we begins now. Whether 16 or 96 years old, we strive to uphold the dignity and the freedom are all responsible for those who are ‘ageing’, of ageing people in all of Europe. The 2006 as we strive to provide happy ageing for all. version of the Guiding Principles of the Char- Green Ageing policy means that there is enter of the European Green Party states: actment of the special, sustainable require- [23] ments for people as they become less able 2) Psychologically healthy ageing: to perform in the way they did in the early perspective on the past decades of their life. But it also means that the voices and the experience and wisdom of Successful ageing consists of more than the the older members of our society be included medical, economic and social well-being. That – on electoral lists; on NGO agendas, on the stratum of the population, sometimes further social justice and economic policy planning of stratified as the young elderly, the middle eld- local communities, by national governments erly and the oldest elderly are infinitely more and in the European Parliament. complex than was thought in the mid twentieth century. As health care, social and community Green Ageing policy means that we plan in a services increase and improve, as the potential green and age-friendly way: age-proof legisla- for active participation in the family and the tion; housing which accommodates changes community returns, so does the quality of psy- in mobility, utilising environmentally friendly chological well-being improve, and intergen- building and retrofitting technologies; health erational dialogue and interchange – working programmes which support people as they together for the good of all, becomes the norm, become less mobile, less resilient and more not the exception. dependent on health care; transportation which accommodates the ease of the ageing In this chapter we will trace the history of how person’s inclusion in all social and cultural ac- the field of psychology have viewed the elderly, tivities in his or her community; flexible work- what changes have occurred, and address the ing conditions; a choice of retirement age current special sensitivities of specific ageing without penalty; adequate pension schemes; populations and the attendant psychological guarantees against prejudicial treatment in aspects of healthy ageing, We shall examine consumer matters; special programmes for those factors conditions and attitudes which economic and climate chaos migrants who have defined successful or happy ageing in the are vulnerable through lack of language of last century, not only in Europe, but in Asia, as their adopted country. well as the Americas, and present this century’s view of successful or happy, ageing. The one aspectof ageing that cannot be legislated is HAPPINESS. However, as the condi- At the launch of the ENGS White Paper, An- tions for political, social, economic and health other Ageing IS Possible, at the European Social equality are met, the remaining aspects: spir- Forum, in Istanbul, July 2010, Finnish sociolo- itual and and psychological well-being, can be gist, Anita Kelles, pointed out that in order to more easily addressed on an individual basis. be able to evaluate the ageing process after Although the spiritual and psychological are 50, or after 60 years of age, it is essential that the cornerstone of happy ageing, we cannot certain conditions be met, that it IS possible to as easily achieve that essential state without improve the quality of the lives of the elderly in the accompanying Green Ageing Actions. our populations, as well as that of members of society who are NOT currently elderly, but will Dr. Lucille Ryan O’Shea, Ph. D., Clinical be, eventually. Psychologist; Board, European Network of Green Seniors; Comhaontas Glas Irish Green Seniors Co-Convenor Westport, Ireland, October 2010 [24] Another Ageing for Europe!

Psychologically healthy ageing: perspective with all age groups. It is not enough to focus on the past on the frail and dependent, we, at all ages, must focus on those aspects of ageing that “If you live to the age of a hundred you have provide the additive to earn the description, it made because very few people die past the Happy Ageing. age of a hundred.” George Burns, American comedian, (1896 – 1996) In the period during, and immediately after the Second World War, those industries, and Until recently when professionals discussed, governments seeking to maximise the output or lectured about successful ageing, it was and efficiency of the war effort, and post-war done in terms of objective, observable con- recovery, were forced to employ women, and ditions. Generally, the discussion and the those men beyond military recruitment age. research, was related to the commercial ben- As the war progressed, and older men, with efits accruing to corporations attempting more children were called to ‘duty’, more to control the cost of health insurance and work was left to be done by women, and the absenteeism, in pre-retirement employees. oldest, heretofore retired workers. Many of Government policy considered good hous- these workers returned to retired life, or to ing; access to health and community services; raising children after the war. However many family and general social activities; ‘enough’ remained active following wars’ ends, and money; unencumbered physical and mental brought the importance of assessing the fit- health –and promised less cost to the (young- ness of workers and the cost of production er) taxpayers as the extent of their remit to into focus. Then, it became essential to en- their constituents. sure that the work continued with quality, and that the older workers’ lives reflected that It is doubtful whether, given the presence quality. Research shows that positive regard of all, or almost all of these conditions, one by one’s employer is an important aspect of could state with certainty that an older person job satisfaction and therefore, a source of self was successfully or happily ageing. The po- esteem. litical and social conditions may be essential, but it is clear that they are not enough. These In psychological and psychiatric research of the conditions are not the sole determinants of 1950s – 1960s, pioneers in the field, James Bir- happy ageing; they are the conditions neces- ren, Ross McFarland and Oscar Kaplan, were sary for the well-being of all members of so- amongst the first to address the psychological ciety, from which may emerge happy ageing. aspects of ageing. However, they considered psychological well-being as measured only by The fields of geriatrics and gerontology have such cognitive functions as memory and learn- typically measured successful ageing in terms ing capacity- functions germane to work situ- of the medical services needed for the frail ations. “The reclassification of older workers and ill, which the state or nation provided. to jobs where they can perform efficiently and Here, too, it has slowly become clearer that safely, and the re-design of jobs so that age other indicators are essential to the determi- changes are of minor importance should be nation of happy or successful ageing. The eld- based on a knowledge of the capacities of the erly must have more. They must feel respected individual in relation to the critical psychologi- and engaged - enjoying the unconditional cal requirements of the job”(McFarland,1956). positive regard and reciprocal cooperation McFarland further assessed the influence of [25] ageing on mental functions: memory, learn- In Japan, journalists assessing the influence of ing, imagination and thinking, as psycho- technology on Japan’s elderly, cites a 95 year logical indicators of a general capacity. He old man, Hikosaburo Yasuda, who states, ”It acknowledged that psychological functions is important to always try new things, other- which depend on experience, reasoning and wise you get left behind”, he said, upon be- judgement are more resistant to deteriora- ing asked about his plan to purchase an iPad. tion as one ages. However, he cited (1950s) He related that he wanted to keep up with his research at Columbia University, New York, younger computer club members, who look which bore the authors’ conclusions that “no for easier ways to browse the Internet, and one under 45 should refrain from trying to send emails. Another elder Japanese compu- learn a new task for fear of being too old to ter user stated that use of computers “Could be able to learn it.”(McFarland, 1956, op. cit., keep dementia at bay” (Alpeyev & Eki, 2010). p. 22) . This attests to the rising awareness of the importance of new learning. The field of neurol- This 1950s attitude toward new task learning ogy has recently indicated that we continue is to be contrasted with a recent research sur- to develop neural pathways in the brain, long vey by AARP - American Association of Retired into our maturity, updating the earlier held Persons (June 2010), which addresses the use view that we are limited in the span of time of social internet technology (Twitter, Face- in which parts of our brain develop. book, LinkedIn, etc) by those over 50 years of age, in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic in- “Seniors who belong to a choir report easier terviewees in the US. In this survey, 40% of breathing, better posture and fewer doctor interviewees considered themselves extremely visits ... Several studies have found that sing- or very comfortable using the Internet. One ing also enhances immunity and well-being. quarter – 27% use social media websites, and One, conducted at the University of Frankfurt one third get their news from newspaper web- in Germany, found that choral members had sites, and another one-third get their news higher levels of immunoglobulin A and cortisol from ‘ezines’ and/or television news websites. – markers of enhanced immunity -- after they It adds that ‘other contacts’ include, but are sang Mozart’s “Requiem” than before. Just lis- not limited to non-partisan fact verification on tening to the music did not have this effect. the Internet. There are indications that these In another study, members of a choir filled technological skills are later-life- learned skills, out questionnaires to report their hysical and usually from children or grandchildren. Inter- psychological reactions to singing. The chor- estingly, there appears to be no mention of isters reported Improved lung capacity ,high ‘third age’ education in computer skills. After energy, relieved asthma and better postur 45, in the 1950s, people had presumed to be with Singing, particularly in a chorus, seems past the age where they could learn new skills. to benefit the elderly particularly well. As part Not only does this research redress the 1950s’ of a three-year study examining how singing limitation of psychological ageing to cognitive affects the health of those 55 and older, a skills, but it addresses that aspect of ageing Senior Singers Chorale was formed by the Le- which closes the gap amongst ages, socially. vine School of Music in Washington, D.C ...” The AARP survey notes that the vast majority (http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters). of social media activities of the 50+ respondents extend beyond that of contact with children and grandchildren. [26] Another Ageing for Europe!

According to a review of the influence of epi- erly of more than half century ago. The ex- genetics15 in ageing, in a recent study demon- tended family – stretched and extended by strated the importance of altered epigenetic miles, if not continents, can stay in touch via state in the control of brain neuronal gene internet telephony, and the gap that was cre- expression with : ated by the post-WWII social and geographic mobility has now begun to close. Intergenera- “Environmental enrichment promoted the re- tional contact, lost for decades, may be able covery of lost memories, which was accompa- to gain ground, on Facebook and LinkedIn nied by increased synaptic elasticity ... “ social networks. And the elderly are capable of learning and relearning. “Remarkably, treatment ... was able to mimic environmental enrichment and promote neuro- 3) Longitudinal Studies nal plasticity and recovery of memory function. These findings highlight the role of epigenetic Most research focuses in those spheres which changes in memory loss associated with neu- inform health, welfare and economic policy rodegeneration. In addition, they suggest that areas, as previously stated. The basis for much loss of memory storage is distinct from loss of research and programme planning emerges neural pathways that access stored memory. from large scale, longitudinal studies. It Given that human brain ageing is accompanied should suffice here, to mention two bodies by memory loss and reduced synaptic connec- that provide data on which are founded those tivity, but not significantly by neuronal loss, it is policies and services. probable that loss of the ability to access stored memories underlies age-dependent memory Improving the psychological aspect of age- deficits. If this is so, there is hope that phar- ing demands ongoing, longitudinal research macological interventions affecting epigenetic which informs professionals working with state could ameliorate some of the cognitive organisations and government bodies who deficits associated with ageing and neurode- provide the basis for material support with generative disorders.”(Nature, March 2010; increasing frequency, research addresses pps 529-535). those intrinsic qualities which transcend work abilities and pension plans. Following are This indicates the great advances in the fields, two examples, briefly presented, of SHARE not only neurology and psychology, but also and BASE, who have been outstanding in the hold out hope for the reformation of now scope and length of their research. Improve- outdated views of the elderly in areas of in- ment in health care brings about increased terpersonal, and community networking. life expectancy, and with longevity comes The examples stated earlier from the United more opportunity and more need for attend- States and Japan, attest to its applicability. ing to the ever-expanding psychological arma- Now, the general older public does not have mentarium needed to make that larger period to accept the limitations placed upon the eld- of the Third or Fourth Age a happy one.

15 In biology, and specifically genetics, epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in phenotype (appearance) or gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence, hence the name epi- (Greek: - over, above) -genetics. These changes may remain through cell divisions for the remainder of the cell’s life and may also last for multiple generations. How- ever, there is no change in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism; instead, non-genetic factors cause the organism’s genes to behave (or “express themselves”) differently. [27]

3.1 – SHARE a) two thirds of respondents said that the reason for undertaking voluntary work was to SHARE [Survey of Health, Ageing and Retire- do something useful in retirement. However, ment in Europe] gathers demographics of people’s health is an important factor in this those who have attained age 50, in sixteen context, and older people who are in poor countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech health are less likely to engage in voluntary Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, work than people of the same age who feel Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, fit and healthy; Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. It started its project in 2002, commenced data b) delayed retirement occurs when, accord- gathering in 2003, and currently completed ing to SHARE statistics , there are “Agreeable gathering data on the third ‘wave’: work place conditions [which] support later retirement: The perceived quality of employ- “SHARE is coordinated centrally at the Man- ment during the pre-retirement years - for ex- nheim Research Institute for the Economics of ample, how much control we have over our Aging (MEA). It is harmonized with the U.S. work and how much of a match there is be- Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the tween effort and reward - varies considerably English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). across the European countries surveyed, with SHARE’s scientific power is based on its panel a clear North-South gradient; design that grasps the dynamic character of the ageing process. SHARE’s multi-disciplinary c) quality of employment is strongly associ- approach delivers the full picture of the age- ated with emotional well-being; ing process. Rigorous procedural guidelines and programs ensure an ex-ante harmonized d) lower quality of employment goes hand in cross-national design. hand with poor health and depression. SHARE also reveals significant cross-national varia- According to SHARE, “The ratio of older peo- tion in people’s quality of life.” (http://www. ple to total population is higher in Europe share-project.org/). than on any other continent - and the phenomenon of population aging will continue Quality of employment, which includes the well into this century. SHARE, whose first level of esteem in which an employee is held, wave of data was collected in 2003, is the has always been a factor in the self worth rat- first study to examine the different ways in ing of the individual. The spiral of low quality which people aged 50 and older live in eleven of employment, poor health and resultant de- European countries from Scandinavia to the pression will impact on indicators of success- Mediterranean. “The second ‘wave’ of infor- ful ageing such as social network functioning mation gathering was done in 2006, traces and cognitive functioning. These factors are those life events which shape the essential reciprocally inhibiting. elements of the lives of the elderly. A third wave was completed in 2009. There are now SHARE continues to expand its brief, and sixteen countries with data gathered, and as- the resultant research which springs from it sessed, and made available to researchers. clearly addresses the more intrinsic aspects of Several disclosures emerged from the data: ageing. [28] Another Ageing for Europe!

3.2 – BASE (ii) to develop theories and methods that integrate empirical evidence across domains of Another significant organisation redressing functioning, timescales, as well as behavioral the narrow view of ageing is the work ac- and neuronal levels of analysis; complished by the longitudinal Berlin Age- (iii) to identify mechanisms of development by ing Study (BASE) project: exploring age-graded differences in plasticity.

“The Berlin Aging Study (BASE)16 is a multi- The Center continues to pay special attention disciplinary investigation of old people aged to the age periods of late adulthood and old 70 to over 100 years, who live in former West age, which offer unique opportunities for in- Berlin. In the main study (1990-1993), a core novation, both in theory and practice. At the sample of 516 individuals was closely exam- same time, it has intensified its interest in ear- ined in 14 sessions covering their mental and ly periods of ontogeny including infancy and physical health, their psychological function- early childhood”. (http://www.mpib-berlin. ing, and their social and economic situation. mpg.de/en/forschung/lip/projekte/base.htm) Since then, the study has been continued as a longitudinal study, and surviving par- “Baltus conceptualized psychological develop- ticipants have been re-examined seven times. ment as the interplay between generality and BASE uses a broadly based multidisciplinary individuality, self-determination and fateful approach with the aim of obtaining baseline experience, biology and culture. His empirical data across a wide range of domains, and ex- and theoretical contributions have opened up amination of aging- and death-related chang- new perspectives and pathways for science es in very old age. and society. Paul B. Baltes examined the potential of human life in the spirit of enlight- Following on from the work in the BASE enment. He was an innovator who reshaped project: the fields of lifespan psychology and gerontology”. (http://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/en/ “Founded in 1981 by the late Paul B. Baltes, forschung/lip/baltes.html) the Center for Lifespan Psychology at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development has Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Human Devel- helped to establish lifespan psychology as a opment Co-Director Ulman Lindenberger, one distinct conceptual approach within develop- of the internationally leading researchers in mental psychology. Since 2004, the Center the field of cognitive ageing has identified has extended its research program into de- the potentials and limits of cognitive ageing velopmental behavioral neuroscience. Work by successfully combining approaches from at the Center is guided by three propositions: the neurosciences, gerontology as well as (i) to study lifespan changes in behavior as developmental psychology. Lindenberger has interactions among maturation, learning, and shown that the mental abilities of older peo- senescence; ple are not predetermined by defaults such as age – but that they can be altered and even

16 BASE is a project conducted by several Berlin institutions in collaboration. It was supported by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (in German) and by the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences’ interdisciplinary research group “Aging and Societal Development” , and the participating institutions. Since 2008, it is co-sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Center of Lifespan Psychology at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development [29] improved by [one’s] own actions. In old age, of the unconditional positive regard for their perceptual processes, reasoning, and memory wisdom, experience and status. are strongly dependent on physical, emotional- motivational, and social factors. (http://www. In China, the Confucian precept of respect for mpib-berlin.mpg.de/en/forschung/lip/ the elders has been eroded by the increasing projekte/base.htm) industrialization of the PRC (People’s Repub- lic of China). “It was part of the filial duties SHARE, BASE and Lifespan are now indicative imposed by Confucianism to care for one’s of many organisations who are investigat- parents when they were old, so that when ing those parameters of ageing and provid- you too were old your children would in turn ing valuable data to other researchers. It is care for you. Reciprocity was a key feature, through their work that the recognition of the however, for sons and fathers, mothers and potential of ageing members of the world can daughters had rights as well as responsibili- be uncovered. No longer are the narrow pa- ties. But today, in the ‘new’ China, that old rameters of the last century able to limit the order in China is breaking down ...” (Cook, potential for a happy older life, and greater Moores & Powell, 2003). Cook et. Al., how- understanding by those of the upcoming ever, point to the example of the ‘three’, of older generations. From the data gathered, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party). “The CCP it becomes obvious that the statistical treat- itself has a tradition of elderly active within ment of data is not enough alone, to make its power structures, and its great leaders, a difference in the achievement of a happy Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping, third or fourth age. worked to a very great age, into their eight- ies”. A feature of Mao’s return to power was However, whatever the researchers present, his swim in the Yangtze River at age 73, in whatever programmes governments devise 1965. “Mao built on this success to launch based on that data, it is the older person who the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution the determines his or her happiness, and what following year, having reconfirmed his cult defines happiness for them. status.” (op.cit) Physical prowess and occupational functioning were the primary foci in 4) There is more to happy ageing that period. No considerations of the emo- than good health, good pensions tional aspects of psychological well-being and social networking technology were considered in the medical-behavioural model of the 1950-1960s. “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”. Mark Twain However, in the 1970s, with the advent of a change in the viewpoint of psychotherapy A recurring theme in the literature is the iso- from the psychoanalytic to the humanistic, lated condition of elderly people in China, Carl Rogers’ On Becoming a Person; Fre- Japan, Turkey, the US, and Australia, etc. Var- drick Perls’ Gestalt Therapy, and the rise of ious authors address the decline in fertility, the exploration of the emotions in one’s life, the mobility of the worker away from fam- abruptly shifted the direction of the strict ily members and the migration from rural to Skinnerian behaviourists. Still later, the be- urban living, as causes of the erosion of the haviourism of Joseph Wolpe and Aaron Beck contact with, responsibility to and for the eld- yielded to the inclusiveness of the emotions. erly. Concomitant with this has been the loss Today, the Buddhist concept of mindfulness [30] Another Ageing for Europe! forms a cornerstone of the CBT – Cognitive There are several subgroups within the vari- Behavioural Therapy modality. However, much ous levels of ageing people, and they all come of the popular psychology mass publications with unique experiences and are attended do not specifically address the emotional pro- with special needs. file of the ageing person. The current trend to want to present as young and able – even According to research by Halverson and to medical re-manufacture of one’s body, Walaszek, at the University of Wisconsin: to fit the description of ‘young’, has domi- “Older adults, especially men older than 85 nated publications for and about men as well years, are at markedly elevated risk of com- as women; those periodicals devoted to the mitting suicide. Although they comprise only elderly [Ireland’s Senior Times, US’ AARP The 13% of the population, older adults account Magazine (formerly know n as Modern Ma- for 18% of suicides. The rates of suicide rise turity), for example] also fall into the trap of dramatically for men older than 65 years. In- presenting their readers, ways to look (and ternationally, rates for women also increase convince others) younger than their chrono- after age 65, though this is not the case in the logical age. This is not a new idea –author United States.” (2010 http://emedicine.med- Anais Nin was reported to have said, in ad- scape.com/article/1356106-overview). They vanced age, “The only wrinkle I have is the point out that depression holds close associa- one I sit on!” This denial hides fear of ageing, tion with other illnesses; that the presence of fear of death, fear of rejection for not being - cancer, diabetes, asthma, anxiety, substance something usually attributed to youth – wrin- abuse and neurodegenerative conditions – kle-less, supple, slim, without grey hair etc., one condition exacerbates the other. They etc. This further cements in the minds of the also include that “... Although older adults younger generations that ageing is something are less likely to attempt suicide than young- to be dreaded and avoided. er adults, they are more likely to complete suicide because they (1) are less physically The questions underlying this are - Will it resilient, (2) offer fewer warnings of suicides, hurt when I die? Where will I go? Will peo- (3) use greater planning and resolve, (4) are ple remember me/ miss me? These questions more isolated and therefore less able to be address the point of death, and present a rescued, and (5) are more likely to use lethal nebulous picture of ‘what happens then,’ means, ...” (Halverson and Walaszek 2010). even in the most religious of people, unless They further indicate that conditions which they have truly examined their death as well place elderly people at risk for depression are as their life. There are no courses of study for social isolation; early childhood sexual abuse; how to die. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, in her semi- loneliness, bereavement, a prior history of nal On Death and Dying in the 1970s, pro- depression and a cumulative of life stressors vided guidelines, but these appeared to be and resultant cognitive distortions – thinking of use to the survivors, rather than the older negatively, rather than constructively - and person facing his or her death. Psychologi- needful of sources of support to achieve suc- cally, the stress of fear or anxiety regarding cessful ageing. the matters of ageing and dying will lead, in many cases, to clinical depression. This condi- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of tion is usually treated with any of the very Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR; 1980) which many antidepressants. However, medication catalogues the gamut of mental states, is does not answer the questions of mortality. currently undergoing major revision. Roger [31]

Peele, Chief Psychiatrist, Montgomery Coun- people. However, older LGBT people have ty Government, Rockville, Maryland, on his grown up in a time when being gay was crimi- website, ( http://www.rogerpeele.com/topics. nalized and pathologised. Despite this, many asp ), discusses the DSM revision. He posits older LGBT people successfully negotiated this the inclusion of sensitivities – cultural, ethnic, difficult social context and the threats it posed gender and age – that should be taken into to their well-being and have developed huge consideration in treating patients; that the resilience ... [However] US research (Cross P and new version of the DSM, in presenting cri- Brookdale Center, 1999) found that older lesbi- teria for measuring distress and dysfunction ans, gay men and bisexuals have significantly or impairment in the elderly should include diminished support networks when compared evaluation of the following categories 1.cog- to the general older population. nitive; 2. emotional; 3. physical; 4. relational, There are a number of important needs and and 5. volitional. He further suggests that the issues which older LGBT people experience, new edition should include ‘sensitivities’. This which need to be much better understood in consideration of sensitivities would not have an Irish (and international) context. been included even thirty years ago, in the physician’s formal diagnosis of his elderly When compared to their heterosexual coun- patient. terparts, therefore, older lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are 2½ times as likely to live Given this potential change in procedure and alone, twice as likely to age without a partner outlook, it appears appropriate to address or ‘significant other’ and 4½ times as likely the various sensitivities, to use Peele’s phrase, to have no children to call upon in times of which comprise the elderly, and which de- need. This translates into a lack of traditional serve special consideration. The lesbian/gay/ support networks that may not be replaced bisexual and transsexual (LGBT), the oldest by the strength of other close friendships or elderly and the immigrant, are amongst the the size of informal support networks within subgroups within the broader category of the lesbian, gay or bisexual community, with elderly which warrant attention here. the result that 20% of older lesbians, gay men and bisexuals indicate they have no one to 4.1 – LBGT call on in a time of crisis or difficulty – a rate up to ten times higher than that seen in the In 2010, the Dáil (Irish Parliament) passed leg- general older population.” islation recognising same-sex marriages, after a long battle. Currently approaching publica- This means that older lesbians, gay men and tion in Ireland are the results of research into bisexuals are much more reliant on and have psycho-social issues confronting the elderly a greater need for professional services and LGBT population in Ireland. formal support systems in old age than is the case with their heterosexual counterparts. This campaign resulted in additional attention However, other studies in the US have shown to the needs of the LBGT community. In their that older lesbians, gay men and bisexuals do December 2009 research tender, the Gay and not access the programmes and services they Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) stated: need. In fact older lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are five time less likely to access serv- “Ireland is now becoming much more inclusive ices for older people than is the case in the of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) general older population, because they fear [32] Another Ageing for Europe! discrimination, homophobia and ignorance novative care model enabled by new ambi- and that they will have to hide their sexuality. ent assisted living technology ... All services, amenities and transport connections are in 4.2 – The Fourth Age close proximity and the building is located adjacent to a primary health care centre. The The fourth age is defined by Baltus as those community centre provides for social inter- individuals beyond 80-85 years of age. He action for residents, and supports the wider states that “the 21st century is a century of research project and demonstration aspect, age. But our society is not a friend of age” as well as providing a new focal point for a (http://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de 2002). He wider community ... The ground floor garden goes on to indicate that “More Good Ageing space is communal with seating and raised is a major cornerstone for the design of an planting beds for residents. This area is de- age-friendly society that knows how to ex- signed to encourage social interaction while ploit the great potential of the older genera- also providing privacy to internal spaces and tion” (op. cit). individual terraces ... The building is designed with flexibility and adaptability to accommo- Whilst elderly in the earlier – youngest eld- date the physical and cognitive needs of the erly – category may live safely and happily in residents as they develop over time” (http:// their own home, others may not. In Baltus’ constructireland.ie/Vol-5-Issue-1/Articles/New- ‘Fourth Age’, a need for tailor-made hous- Build/Dundalk-green-housing-adapts-with-its- ing arises. One such project, green housing, occupants.html). which adapts with its residents as their needs change with age – sustainable and age friend- This is one example of how communities ly – is reported in the professional periodical can provide those essentials which provide Construct Ireland. (August 2010) is thus de- a springboard for the security and comfort scribed: which allows for psychological well-being.

“County Louth is home to Ireland’s first sus- 4.3 – The Immigrant: tainable energy zone, Dundalk 2020 and product of climate chaos was recently designated the first age friendly county in Ireland. The concepts behind these The special situation of immigrants, being two initiatives are reflected in Great North- strangers in a strange land [Heinlein, 1952] ern Haven, a new housing project on Barrack whose benefits may be limited, who may not, Street, Dundalk, designed and project man- due to language and/or religious barriers, be aged by MCO Projects. The project provides a integrated into the community; whose cultural new energy efficient adaptive housing model background makes it difficult to comprehend for older people that will enable residents to either the system or the community, require live independently in their homes for longer especial consideration. Some migrants may by the use of innovative sensor technology be climate change or climate chaos immi- and intelligent design. The homes provide im- grants. The various ‘natural’ disasters of the proved quality of life through a comfortable, past decade – tsunamis, floods, hurricanes healthy and accessible internal environment, and earthquakes have all moved people from with efficiencies in cost of living and energy their chosen place of family, attachments, se- provision. They are designed to achieve a curity and predictability. This consideration, strong sense of community, as well as an in- only sometimes addressed by governments, [33] appears to have progressed no further than wanted to live in the present, not after death. tacit recognition. Elderly climate change mi- Which is why, I suppose, the greatest courage grants are certain to be more vulnerable, psy- we will ever have to show comes at the end chologically, than younger immigrants. They of our lives” Fisk, R; 2008, p 462) have been rooted up from their social milieu, have limited access to people who speak their Happy Ageing cannot be legislated into being; language, and they may be grieving from the it cannot be provided by employers or aid or- loss not only of family members, but of their ganisations. The answer to happy ageing must community, their way of life, and all of those start with the consideration of the definition elements which contributed to their comfort of ‘happy’. Is ‘content’ an acceptable syno- in their last years. The psychological adjust- nym? Perusal of dictionaries does not provide ment required must not be underestimated. much enlightenment. For that, we must con- They, too, will be subject to the toll of time, sider happiness from a psychological point of made worse by their lack of familiar surround- view – what generally passes for happiness is, ings, language, cultural comforts and ritual. in the main, satisfaction of material or social What might have been a sort of security, at a wants, and does not address the ultimate – point ion their lives when death approaches that feeling within us, that we achieve, when on unknown, unheard feet, no longer ex- we extract a meaning for our lives. It is the un- ists within their environment. In addition to explored meaning of death and dying which feeling unwelcome, they may be treated as hampers our search for the meaning of life unwelcome. These circumstances are not con- (Monty Python notwithstanding). ducive to happy ageing. According to Moon (2010), society counters 5) How can we age happily the facts of ageing and dying by valuing and and approach the process of dying pursuing the opposite: youth, health and vi- with courage tality. Moon posits that the human attitude toward mortality has risen concomitantly “Well, it’s nothing very special. Uh, try with the increase in secularism and the un- and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, willingness to contemplate one’s world view. read a good book every now and then, get He points out that the answer may lie in the some walking in, and try and live together search for meaning, which he refers to as in peace and harmony with people of all POM –Pedagogy of Mortality. He states that creeds and nations.” [Monty Python’s 1983 the degree of positive outcome is dependent film, ‘The Meaning of Life’] solely upon the extent to which the individual persists in contemplation of his life and So, what is it that separates the happy from death. He presents it as an educative process, the unhappy ageing person? When all of the wherein we are its best benefactors. basic needs are supplied, what is left that contributes those qualities which encour- Moon cites what Viktor Frankl (1986) called age the subjective emotional description of ‘logotherapy,’ wherein he posits that if we happiness? We could examine what it is that hold a sound world view, then we do not detracts from that state – what causes the need psychological assistance to cope with unease, the fear, the anxiety which arises at dysfunctions in our life. By recognizing the the mention of ageing or ‘getting old’. Robert purpose of our circumstances, one can master Fisk, in his Age of the Warrior states” [They] anxiety, according to Frankl, who developed [34] Another Ageing for Europe! his theory whilst in Auschwitz. He presents 6) Intergenerationality his search for meaning, narrating his survival of his five year concentration camp ordeal in All people have a finite presence in this world. the first half of his book, Logotherapy, Man’s How can everyone profit from the elders’ experi- Search for Meaning (1946), and his theory in ence and knowledge and pass it on, yet again, to the latter half. future generations before the experience, knowledge and wisdom becomes irrecoverable? His theory is no less applicable today. Frankl defined the spirit as the will of the human 6.1 – Foxfire being. The emphasis, therefore, is on the search for meaning, which is not necessarily More than forty years ago, in the mountains the search for God or any other supernatural of North Georgia – in what is known as south- being. Frankl viewed the barriers to human- ern Appalachia, a group of secondary school ity’s quest for meaning in life – “...affluence, students decided to save the wisdom of the hedonism, [and] materialism...”. Mark Twain elders, by collecting stories, folklore and infor- indicated in the late 1890s: “Man is about as mation on crafts which were in danger of be- happy as he makes up his mind to be.” ing lost in the forest of emerging technology (the Internet was not widely available then). Philosophers and scientists have long been Their initial idea was to create a magazine. interested in how the mind processes the “The articles would focus on a specific per- inevitability of death, both cognitively and son’s life or stories, the lore of a specific town emotionally, but we put little thought into it, or community, details or how-to information instead, avoiding confrontation of the attend- on traditional crafts and skills ... “It blossomed ant state anxiety through busy, allegedly goal- into a series of books called Foxfire. directed behaviours, whilst the fear of death, unexplored, taints our potential for happiness. [Foxfire]” is the living connection between the high school students in the magazine Mohammad Samir Hossain, professor of psy- program and their heritage, built through in- chiatry at the Medical College for Women and teraction with their elders. Students, by their Hospital, Dahka, Bangladesh states that we own choices, have worked for four decades “have no common methodology for examin- to document and preserve the stories, crafts, ing the whole phenomenon of death. We ad- trades, and the personalities of their families, dress only the point of death; and the process neighbors, and friends. By doing so, they of dying is buried, haunting us on an uncon- have preserved this unique American culture scious level, pushing us ever further into de- for generations to come ...17 nial activities” (Hossain, 2010). He posits that the finality of death represents the permanent The Foxfire Approach to Teaching and Learn- cessation of existence, but we do not wish, or ing is now a national program to train teach- know how, to cope with the process, rather ers in an alterative method of educating, than the occasion of dying. “which ... promotes a sense of place and ap-

17 [“The term “foxfire” is a name commonly applied to several species of bioluminescent fungi that grow on rotting wood in damp forests (like the Southern Appalachians) during the warmer months. These fungi typically produce a dim blue-green glow that can be seen only in dark, starlit areas, away from any artificial lights or moonlight. Other names associated with these glowing fungi include “faerie fire” and “will o’ the wisp.”] http://www.foxfire.org/ [35] preciation of local people, community, and both geographically and thematically, and culture as essential educational tools”. requires better articulation all round if the (http://www.foxfire.org/) movement is to ease the issues presented to us by an ageing population.” (http://www.gen- It is this approach which preserves our history erationendialog.de/_uploadfiles/file/EMIL%20 on a very personal level, enables a positive con- Newsletter%20-%20Issue%201.pdf) tribution of the elderly and promotes a sense of the importance of not only the elderly, but According to their website, EMIL plans to of their wisdom, knowledge and experience, launch their programme for a European inter- whilst connecting the generations. This is yet generational network. 2010 has been desig- another aspect of promoting happy ageing – nated the European Year of Intergenerational valuing our elders, and their wisdom. Solidarity, and this will provide the optimum time for promoting the resurrection of the 6.2 – EMIL connections amongst generations, albeit with a modern face, based on experience, research In Europe, the European Map of Intergen- and cooperation. erational Learning (EMIL), a relatively new project, started in 2009, to promote inter- 7) Conclusions generational learning, with the aid of regional and national organisations. Their sponsor, the It is important to stress the unique qualities Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation states: of all ageing people, and of their special tal- ents, views, backgrounds and needs. As we ”Over the past century our families and day- age, we are faced with the choice of sinking to-day lives have changed dramatically; more into pretence that we are immortal – though of our citizens are enjoying greater mobility we know we aren’t. Perhaps the single most and economic security enabling a previously important aspect of ageing is the unknown unseen level of individual independence. of when we will die, and how. How to have a These new freedoms have led to significant happy aged life is an individual choice, with changes in traditional family structures and a unique pattern. But the common theme is care patterns with increasing numbers of peo- still that of Viktor Frankl, and we would do ple living further and further away from their well to recall his words “Everything can be loved ones. For these and many other reasons, taken from a man but one thing: the last Intergenerational Practice (IP) has been gain- of the human freedoms – to choose one’s ing round at a grass-roots and policy level for attitude in any given set of circumstances, a number of years as an effective preventative to choose one’s own way” (Frankl, 1946). measure to ensure a healthy level of under- But we can also recall another sage – Mae standing between all ages remains. Nonethe- West who said: “You only live once, but if less, the progress of IP has remained patchy, you do it right, once is enough”. [36] Another Ageing for Europe!

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V . Ques tio ns with the draft “White Book”. The question- and Answers naire and flyer “When I am 64 ...” were used for interviews in order to test the level of in- In the frame of European and global events formation about the topics and, on the other (European Social Forum, July 2010, Istanbul hand, to determine individual wishes and and Global Young Green Congress, August ideas regarding their own ageing. 2010, Berlin) the participants were presented [38] Another Ageing for Europe!

1) Example of Questionnaire

Questionnaire

1. What social programs and projects for elderly people, both able and disabled exist in your country? Please name three [or more]

��

2. What «Happy Ageing Indicators» would you like added to our list: This for example our H.A.I: Healthy life after 65 and healthy life-expectancy, social connections of elderly people, age discrimination, elderly poverty, political voice of elderly people etc.

What would you like to add?

��

3. What good POLICIES for AGEING PEOPLE in your country would you like included? Where could we find out more about them?

name:...... e-mail address: ��

country:...... age: ...... gender: m / f ��

If you think of other projects later, please send information about them to us at [email protected]. We welcome any additional information about projects in your country which especially address the needs of the elderly. In cooperation with the Green European Foundation and with the Contribution of the European Parliament [39]

2) Collected Answers to the Questionnaire from ESF (European Social forum – Istanbul, July 2010), GYG (Global Young Greens Congrees – Berlin, August 2010) and EGP (European Green Party Council, ENGS Fringe meeting – Tallinn, October 2010)

Table 6: Answers to questionnaire on page 38 collected at the European Social Forum

ESF Country Age / m/f 1) Social Program 2) Happy Ageing 3) Good Indicators Policies 1 Spain 60/m - against age discrimination - political voice 2 Turkey/ 30/f - not enough for - more respect for - more home 3 elderly elderly care 4 - a ge groups 5 Turkey 51/f - some elderly care - in social, - availability of environment, wheel chairs political area - service for counties 6 France/ /f - project: social - o.k., agree with - science: 7 /m protection for question 2 against vulnerable person disabling diseases 8 Germany 50/m - three generation - basic income 9 60/m housing for all - living in groups for dementia persons - party of the grays 10 Germany old - I do not really - living with enough/f know different generations - really independent - respecting each other 11 Austria 30/f - inter general - migrant and - elderly housing homeless related rights, espe- - self organized projects cially for home care - access to vulnerable - pension homes (younger) political groups organizing 12 Sweden 23/f - physical trainings - self steered - self trust trainings feminist programs for women all ages) [40] Another Ageing for Europe!

ESF Country Age / 1) Social Program 2) Happy Ageing 3) Good Policies m/f Indicators 13 Germany 19/m - generation - art and music meeting 14 Switzerland 69/f - University third - isolation - revenue age AVS, LPP, club minimum d`diner, Council guarantee of elderly 15 21/f - free local travel - travel free 16 Great Britain 60/f - free swimming - can’t think - Institute of - free bus Gerontology - but might this Kings College, come to an end, University because many London + Age people activists are Concern in their 80`s - we have age University 3rd Age, discrimination but it is middle policy, but it can class institute be need In positively or negatively way 17 Belgium 63/f - new forms - living in a multi of living and generational housing for house of the community and a seat in a network for elderly 18 Austria 64/f - social institution of - political civil care, but now not society groups many initiatives for old people 19 France 48/f - lots of clubs - contact with - to help them - summer volunteer youth keep mobile regular contact with minibuses (since summer or cabs for hot killed to many elderly single elderly) - financial help to stay at home 20 Switzerland /f - against reduc- tion of pensions, because this is exclusion from society [41]

ESF Country Age / 1) Social Program 2) Happy Ageing 3) Good Policies m/f Indicators 21 UK 22/f - pension, water - fuck poverty, - better pension aerobics, meals - access to public - heating on wheels, mobile services library 22 Great 24/m - subsidies for - access to heating, - free access to Britain energy bills housing, care care homes - free subsidized - healthy food transport - pensions - meals on wheels compared to average wage 23 Czech 29/f - good pension Republic system and secure 24 France 55/f - working with - multicultural - intergenerational children and their program policy relative (all age) - women activists 25 Australia senior - inhabitant - possibility for /f programs for all study in 3rd age ages - women activists 26 UK app. - lunch clubs 25/f - international cooking for all ages 27 Italy before - social centers for - integration for - policy for retire- migrants (all ages) elderly migrants migrants, ment - language courses (means not especially elderly, /f assimilation) because they have much more problems to learn new languages 28 Austria /f - homes for elderly - science - new kind of house for elderly culture 29 UK /f - rehabilitation - increasing for programs without screening of age limits breast cancer and prostate cancer for elderly people [42] Another Ageing for Europe!

Table 7: Answers to the questionnaire on page 38 collected at the Global Young Greens Congress

GYG Country Age / 1) Social Program 2) Happy Ageing 3) Good m/f Indicators Policies 1 Japan 21/f - volunteer activities - elderly people - using free for elderly people at as knowledge time after elementary school / bank/ they can retirement for reading books to pupils transmit their society/ that experiences let both so- and skills to ciety and the young people ageing people feel good 2 Australia 23/m - tourism information - active mind volunteers - University for the 3rd 3 Taiwan 31/m - elders singing club - family - care take - subsidies about 90 Euro and social seats in MRT, per year connections means - 18% interests for sav- - safe walking 2 normal ings of military, officers, path seats for one teachers 4 Mongolia 28/m - no loneliness after 65 years 5 Poland 25/f - there is a social fractal - life long security available learning for economically possibilities disadvantaged and access - the ageing group of the society is at risk of poverty and lives mostly in precarious conditions 6 Brazil 23/m - public restaurants - initiative to - a better - public social assistance continue public health - public health care working care 7 Canada 27/m - development of home care programs - allowing seniors to maintain independence and continue to contribute to society/ community 8 Germany 36/m - life long learning - fun, spirit 9 Tunisia 55/m - special care for poor - free medical - more old people care and integration of rehabilitation elderly people for all in social life [43]

GYG Country Age / 1) Social Program 2) Happy Ageing 3) Good m/f Indicators Policies 10 Tunisia 33/f - we have many - free prevention - to keep associations and against cancer elderly people organizations for the and other at home with care of old people and illness the financial schools to make them help of the literate government 11 Germany 18/f - friendship - intergeneration- - housing with - access to education ality all generations - access to internet - mobility of elderly people 12 Uganda 29/m - making handicraft - track record - not sure of (especially for women) lessons from any really elderly people 13 Kenya 28/m - cash transfer program - access to basic - national for poor old and needs: food, policy on vulnerable older persons clean water, ageing of shelter and Kenya health care - political and social voice in community 14 Germany 30/m - VHS=school for adult - seniors meeting places, - day care 15 Austria 24/f - free of charge programs - social - free culture - programs for free time connections programs for - being elderly people independent - healthy 16 Taiwan 26/m - monthly elderly gay - games for - see program meeting elderly people “Sun Yun” 17 Afghani- 27/m - old peoples homes stan - establishing parks, - health insurance company - hobby-programs insurance for the age 18 Japan 23/f - old people homes - volunteer - age pension - day care centre activities - activity in NGO [44] Another Ageing for Europe!

Table 8: Answers to the questionnaire on page 38 collected at the European Green Party Council

EGP Country Age / 1) Social Program 2) Happy Ageing 3) Good m/f Indicators Policies 1 Sweden 64/f Visits at home from nurses Fixar Paul, a man and social service in a spec. comes home and age, maybe 75, They bring helps in the house information about service for small money. of the community. They ask More information for the health of the older that the elderly person. do not fall dawn so often. 2 Sweden 65/f Housing for elderly The right to be There are diffe- with dayly activities, outdoors and to rent policies in transportation program, get realable new different parts free help at home for cooked food of the country people over 75 as care for the elderly. Who are not ill, is a community question. 3 Sweden 71/f Gymnastic program, nurse Free care of teeth, visits in houses, free ticket specially observa- for trains and busses tion of demencia people 4 Finland 69/f 1. Making seniors aware of Just a comment: Finnish Alzheimer the impor-tance of healthy life Finlands activities association, and ways to (out- and indoors in coherent memory exercises, nourish-ment, groups (singing consulting training of memory, social in choir, evening stations for contacts) courses, etc.). establishing 2. Housing: While various Comparative beginning types of senior houses (with study of an agree Al-heimer etc., and without service) are being health potency earliest treatment promoted the city of Helsinki between the two by most advance has introduced the policy of languages and methods with making seniors remain in their culture groups a view to slow houses and providing them established that down the disease with services (nursing, food, this is typical of by medical training, treat, shopping) those speaking intervention. 3. Service Centres for the Swedish, elderly providing facilities who have a for indoor excercise activities distinctly higher (swimming, pool walking, hy- healthy ageing drobics), Nordic walking, sen- expectancy than ior dancing, choirs, literature those speaking clubs, and serving healthy Finnish. meals at a reasonable price. A lot of these exists already and more being established continuously. [45]

3) Answers to the Flyer

Grey hair is cool - to be old not? At some point, so will you. What you want then you can say today, because happy retirement does not exist, neither now nor then.

3-Minutes-Workshop

“When I am 64………..” than I will ……..

My dream, my vision is: - I would like to travel around the world and pass all my impressions to young people; - to have a very big family who loves me a lot and do everything possible in order to save - I want to be more independent, it would the planet and I hope that our planet will be be great to travel around the world and of “alive”. I mean still alive; course no loneliness, maybe to teach children what I experienced in my life; - no weapons’ industry, democracy in every country, global solidarity, training for eve- - continue to improve the world while living rybody; with many friends and a large family, enjoy life; - can still do the things I’m doing now, life- long learning must be achieved. Everyone - live with an eco-commune on a farm, on the should at any stage in their life have the Mediterranean in France, to be a babysitter chance to start something new. In Japan, for my grandchildren ; getting older is valued much more than in Germany; - I want to have a good woman with me and some sons and daughters and a good life. I - be qualified as a professor, be able to speak will do good things to other people and to English, to sail in a regatta; myself. I want to be happy;

- I do not want to change my life. I will contin- - to be happy every day and still help people ue like I did before I was 64. I want to live in as well a house with lots of people of different ages; - I will eat all the chocolate and candies because - a healthy body, open mind, be accompanied one does not have to care about the body! by a partner; - still be able to do everything, I want to do, - working till retirement and then be healthy without being looked at stupidly because of to enjoy the world, meet friends and travel; my age and participate in social life; [46] Another Ageing for Europe!

- according to my strength to have a fulfilling 4) Flyer “When I am 64…” career, have time for my children and grand- – Thoughts and Analysis children, to be healthy and able to travel, no need to worry about my financial existence, Young people from all over the world wrote living in a functioning social environment; down their wishes, dreams and visions which they envisage would be important for them - move to the country, to a village and be a at 64 years old. Others expressed in earlier farmer; interviews that their youth has already been so stressful that they do not know whether - play with my grandchildren, actively explore they will really get so old, and above all so the world and the environment, travel and old and healthy. Education, training and job support projects, continue to keep healthy leave little time for other things. At work of- and fit and of course to work; ten limited contracts make it difficult to plan life for the future. - I would be spending much of my time shar- ing my knowledge and experiences with From a medical point of view, in Germany young people so as to keep track and do every second girl born today, at least has the great work; chance to become 100 years old.

- still have something to do, listen to good A priority for many young people is to have music, be open for new ideas; their own large family and many friends in old age. The desire for harmony in the family and - to be surrounded by my favorite people and among generations is striking, older people live in harmony with the future and feel are here included deliberately. They imagine happy everyday; a multi-generation life, often in the country side. The desire to have a strong bond to the - to be happy with how I have spent my life family and to a partner is great, which is seem- so far, to be healthy, live near friends, be in- ingly at odds with the current observation volved in the community around me, help that many young people are struggling with the next generation, take life easy, but keep commitment issues. It seems that the relation- busy and follow my passions; ship has changed and/or intransigence has increased. For many adequate financial security - to have a wonderful garden, many grand- is important so that they have much time for children, many friends, a small house, lovely themselves and for lifelong learning. Traveling pigs, horses, cows, healthy forests and hap- to foreign countries is a high priority. piness; Many young people imagine, that they might - to have the feeling that my future is secure, volunteer to pass their knowledge and expe- that I can sometimes travel in good health rience on to younger people, thus suggesting and have many friends. I want to be useful that they value these activities of the elderly. and feel needed. Some also commented that they would live in old age as they have before. This is not sur- prising because now they cannot imagine that there may be limitations in old age. Howev- [47] er, today’s youth is better informed about a - to be still active in the Green Party, be an old healthier way of life than previous generations but not subborn, stiff and good example of were and great importance is given to preven- politician activity in all ages. I hope that my tion, which promises a healthier ageing. grandchildren will not die from contamina- tions of chemicals; These thoughts and visions about old age show, on the other hand, the expectations - to live in the upmost freedom, including they have of today’s elderly. They partly an- freedom of choice, not to be considered a swer the question, “What do younger per- bundle of medical parts. sons expect from older people?” Certainly, they expect a larger participation of older VI. Presentation of Good people in society. Practice Examples At our fringe meeting in Tallinn we had the possibility to interview seniors with the same The advantage of having regionally active questions. Here are their partly different groups is working on common regional answers compared with the wishes of the agendas in the EU. It is as important to learn young people: from regional members of their good practices, so that the wheel does not have to be The same flyer with the sentence for seniors: reinvented. The European Network of Green My personal wishes for the next 10 years are: Seniors has collected good examples with the help of its members: Anita Kelles (Finland), - to maintain my physical and intellectual Tony Cooreman (Belgium), Eva Hellung-Strohl health, to be enjoying my housing at the (Sweden), Pierre van Laethem (Belgium), senior house, where I am moving in 4 weeks Birgit Meinhard-Schiebel (Austria), Marian from now, to see my recently acquired pup- O’Riordan (UK), Ute Schmitz and Wilhelm py develop into a loyal companion; Knabe (Germany), Lucille Ryan O`Shea (Ire- land), Jocelyne Le Boulicaut (France) - good relations and many places for meeting; This list of good practices is by no means - to live in good health, to live happy together complete. There surely are other good exam- with family and friends, to see the rate of ples to be covered in the next reports. poverty in the whole world reduced; 1) Promoting Healths - to go on traveling, couch surfing (accom- modation in different places) and meet new Improving health and increasing healthy life- foreign people from all over the world; expectancy of senior citizens requires new and integrated health and service models. Health - free tickets, free collective traffic in EU for care should also mean preventive health care. people of 65 years and more, happy and in- Prevention also needs to address a larger so- dependent time, more money, not so much cio-economic and cultural context. Here there taxes; is much to be learned from Denmark.

- a more tolerant country, more traveling in Eu- An outstanding initiative ‘consolidated di- rope, peace and happiness for more people; rect service model’ [1] has evolved in Den- mark over the past 25 years. In the small [48] Another Ageing for Europe! municipality of Skaevinge it has taken the There are also other interesting examples. form of “Health Centre Bauneparken”.18 One of them comes from the private sector Bauneparken is one of the first 24-hour inte- in the UK. [3] Prudential has created incen- grated health and social care institutions, tives to promote healthy ageing. It oper- under which fragmented services are brought ates a Vitality program, an incentive system together under one roof. The Health Centre whereby customers who improve their health, provides joint training for health and social can qualify for discounts with various partner care professionals. Autonomous groups have companies.19 also been established to assist good functioning. A rehabilitative and activating care An EU-wide good practice-monitoring tool approach also includes self-care. Long-term E-Qualin [4] has been developed to improve care can also be given to persons below quality care in old care residential institutions. the age of 67. There are apartments in the It had been observed that in the care sector, Centre. Domestic care can also be received. staff is working in surroundings where the Rehabilitative services can be used. There is private life of citizens and public political/eco- also a day care facility. There are two garden nomic/administrational areas meet. E-Qualin rooms and day-care for persons in differ- was piloted under the EU’s Leonardo da Vinci ent phases of dementia. Elderly people can project in about 50 old care homes in Austria, also get material support in making adapta- Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Slovenia. It tions to their housing. The Centre receives its was later implemented in additional 200 care budget from incomes and taxation. It is cost homes in these countries. This model is use- efficient in the true sense of the word: even ful for European countries, many of which are though the number of older people has sig- struggling with elder abuse and other care nificantly increased, operational expenditures problems. E-Qualin serves as an organiza- have decreased due to the preventive focus of tional learning instrument. It has 66 enabling the integrated care scheme. There is also no criteria (structures and processes) to map, waiting time for apartments. The preventive monitor and influence results. There are 25 efforts have also created a surplus capacity as key indicators to be applied to residents, staff numbers of days spent in hospitals have been and management. The key value comes from reduced. Municipal expenditures are now be- a participatory approach of involving vari- low the average compared to all other mu- ous stakeholders in planning, implementing, nicipalities in Denmark. monitoring and improving care and services. Another key value comes from the concept of In Sweden too there is a new form of pre- continuous improvement. A classical quality ventive health care for the elderly. [2] Physical management PCDA cycle i.e. plan-do-check- activity on prescription has been introduced act is being used. In addition the Austrian in recent years. Older people are prescribed Ministry for Social Affairs and Consumer Pro- exercise, particularly certain types of physical tection has piloted a “National Quality Certif- activity, in combination with medication. Doc- icate” [5]. In England, residents in care homes tors monitor results. Studies show that it has (public and private) are now protected by the been effective. Human Rights Act. [6] So far the application of this law has not been without problems.20

18 http://www.age-platform.org/EN/article.php3?id_article=738 19 ILC The Economic Value of Healthy Ageing and Working Longer. Prudential April 2010 in UK. www.ilcuk.org.uk 20 ILC The Economic Value of Healthy Ageing and Working Longer. Prudential April 2010 in UK. www.ilcuk.org.uk [49]

There and also in Germany is a Commission In the UK, [9] Lancashire Teaching Hospital for Social Care Inspectors to inspect all care has established a transition ward for elderly homes, enforcing regulations and national patients who cannot manage anymore in minimum standards and awarding a star rat- serviced flats, but who do not require hospi- ing to the care homes. The Relatives and Resi- tal care. A good practice has been established dents Association also monitor. where patients and their family members are consulted regularly by doctors, nurses, social Both, Germany and France have a Charter of workers and occupational officers to see that Rights for People in Need of Long-term Care patients’ needs are met. and Assistance.21 In Germany [7], a new law has also made it possible for family members In Sweden, in the Department for Social Af- to take 10 days off to attend to a family mem- fairs, there is a Minister with special respon- ber in an emergency. Leave for care. For em- sibility for Public Health and the Elderly. [10] ployees, there is the possibility of an unpaid Many initiatives with focus on elderly have six-month leave from their job to take care of lately been taken by the department such as: relatives. When family members need care, it can be exposed in the context of the nursing ■ State subsidies to local authorities time law (Pflegezeitgesetz) six months in job, The government has invested 1,35 billion without salary, but with care allowance, job Swedish crowns/year during 2008 - 2009 to protection and social security. One can also stimulate local activities in health and welfare spend up to ten days a year for care. The new for elderly people. The main goal has been to law is part of a comprehensive nursing care re- increase the quality of services provided on a form to improve, according to law makers, the local level. Priority has been given to activities incompatibility between work and family care. concerning food and nutrition, preventive activities, rehabilitation, access to medical care, Against the background of demographic de- medicine reviews and care of elderly with velopment the problem is increasingly impor- dementia. Quite a few projects have started tant, because in Germany more than 2 million and are continuously monitored. The activi- people are in need of care, in 2020, the Insti- ties will continue in 2010. tute for Economic Research expects 3 million. Statistically, today every 5th employee cares ■ Support of relatives for a relative. An employee can stay home in In 2009, a new paragraph was entered into an acute care situation for up to 10 days. the social legislation stating the right for For home care, an employee can stay home those caring for sick, disabled or elderly rela- for up to 6 months. Also part-time work is tives in their homes to get support from the possible, but it may be rejected by the em- local social welfare committee. ployer. Employers who regularly employ more than 15 employees must grant care to ■ Freedom of choice their employees if duly announced. It cannot In 2009 parliament passed a new law. The be rejected, and is valid even if the company law will strengthen decision making and the has urgent needs. choice of individual caretakers. When it comes to providers of social welfare, elderly now have

21 Zaidi 2010 Policy Biref February 2010 see http://www.euro.centre.org/data/1267020891_76093.pdf [50] Another Ageing for Europe! a right to choose between home help and spe- In Ireland are several others programs for eld- cial housing by public or private operators. erly e.g.: Third Age [32]

■ The National Board of Health and Wel- In 1988 the Summerhill Active Retirement fare has recently published a report on how Group was established in response to the lack to prevent falling and injury of elderly peo- of facilities available to many members of the ple living in residential care facilities. Eight older community. This was the brainchild of interventions have been introduced: physical Mary Nally, who from her first-hand experi- training of the elderly, risk-reducing changes ence of nursing older people at St. Joseph’s in their environment, medicine reviews, en- Hospital in Trim, Co. Meath, was well aware suring safety of technical devices, promoting of the negative health implications of lack of hip-protecting trousers, education of em- activities and isolation on older people. An ployees, post fall analyses and continuous approach to the older people in the village maintenance of safety measures. Subsequent was met with great enthusiasm and support. research has confirmed fewer accidents with www.thirdage-ireland.com the group that participated in such a prevention program. Fewer persons fell and injured Ireland “Independent Age” [33] themselves, and there were hardly any frac- www.independentage.ie tures of the femur. Ireland Centre for Ageing Research and ■ “Södertälje - the fall-free town” Development [34] CARDI is a not for profit The city of Södertälje has also developed a organisation developed by leaders from the program to prevent falling among elderly. ageing field across Ireland (North and South) The goal is to reduce the number of falls by including age focused researchers, academ- at least 25% by identifying risks for accidents. ics, statutory, voluntary and community sector A network of health care personnel, non- representatives with support from The Atlan- governmental organizations, local shops and tic Philanthropies. It is overseen by a Steering private persons has been established for this Group and hosted by the Institute of Public purpose. A leaflet with information has been Health in Ireland. http://www.cardi.ie distributed to inhabitants. A special “fall-risk” telephone number has also been introduced. In Ireland the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) [36] was launched by Minis- ■ “Fixar Malte” ter for Health Mary Harney in November 2006 Special municipal “fixers” are made available and will provide a study of a representative free of charge to the elderly in many munici- cohort of up to 10,000 Irish people over the palities in Sweden. The “fixer” offers help age of 50 years charting their health, social with things like curtain-hanging and chang- and economic circumstances over a 10-year ing light bulbs. In connection with his visit period. www.tilda.ie the “fixer”, when necessary, also gives advice and assistance in safety matters in order to There is also the Trinity Consortium on Ageing prevent accidents. [37]. The Trinity Consortium on Ageing (TCA) is a consortium of the College’s research centres/ There are many welfare programs to assist the institutes, schools, and individuals. It exists to elderly, but rarely one comes across housing promote research and teaching in ageing, to for homeless elders as is found in Vienna. [11] develop and sustain a comprehensive research [51] agenda on ageing, and to broaden the interest This is an example of registration for the Heat of the College and wider community in ageing Wave Alert to avoid that elderly suffer in hot through a seminar series and other initiatives. summers in France [45] The Consortium also fulfils a strategic role in http://213.30.179.215/form/FormCanicule.php relation to promoting awareness of ageing issues and maintaining relations with relevant ex- 2) Participation in Social Life ternal stakeholders http://www.tcd.ie/research/ ageingconsortium/index.php 2.1 – Mobility and Participation

Here you find the AgeingWell Network , Ire- Regarding well-being and health of seniors, land [41]. The network has four key objectives: it is important that even the poorest seniors are financially able to move around. In many ■ foster a ‘tipping point’ of support for re- countries elderly persons get major reduc- framing the ageing agenda, focusing on tions on tickets, even free travel. In Belgium, the opportunities of an ageing population when people reach 65, they are entitled to and promoting quality of life and well-being travel free on any buses. They also pay only among all older people; a low fixed cost for inland trips on railroads ■ influence the content and implementa- after 9 a.m. During the week, preceding their tion of the proposed National Positive Age- 65th birthday, Belgian citizens receive by post ing Strategy, aiming to have it based on this a pass 65+ for free travel on buses. Flemish broader agenda and informed by the known authorities initially introduced the idea of needs of older people and the findings from free bus travel. It was later adopted by other reliable research; regions. The idea of reduced travel and pro- ■ build lasting and good relationships be- moting seniors on trains came from the Green tween key policy makers, service providers federal minister Isabelle Durand. [12] and other critical players in the sector, seeking to optimise the alignment of their strategies In France is a special service for elderly and plans with the national strategy and the CYCLOPOUSSE [39] The feeling of loneliness known needs of older people; of an old person increases when going out ■ motivate this group of leaders and equip is not possible anymore. In Lyon, the local them with the knowledge and evidence to Councillor in charge of the elderly has found bring the ageing agenda into other critical it necessary to ease a door to door service national fora and to seek ways to co-operate for the elderly. The Cyclopousse can «trans- together on important new initiatives port» one or two people. The cyclist is spe- http://www.ageingwellnetwork.ie/index. cially trained to accompany old people. This php?id=44 is 100% ecological, original and fun, socially enriching and safe. Pobal’s mission [40] is to promote social inclusion, reconciliation and equality through integrated social and economic development within communities. Pobal is a not-for-profit company with charitable status that manages programmes on behalf of the Irish Govern- ment and the EU. www.pobal.ie [52] Another Ageing for Europe!

It also constitutes a measure against unem- ■ social benefits by the state; and ployment the cyclists are recruited in agencies ■ advice on all offers of assistance in nursing. that help people find a new job. And they receive a special training. Furthermore, the bases co-ordinate all the institutions relevant for care in individual cases Service is available 4 days a week, Tuesday to and support the people concerned when using Friday, from 9 to 12 a.m and 2 to 5 p.m them. Finally, the regional and various existing The service costs 1,70 € per person per trip, care and social provisions are coordinated and with a subscription cost of 27 € per year. intertwined in order for the people concerned Without subscription, the service costs 3,50 € to provide the full scale of possible care. per trip. One telephone number to make the reservation. A blanket is provided and there is The care bases are all integrated into the na- a small trunk for shopping if needed. tional care- and health insurance. It is also Service available in two towns: planned that social services and institutions Lyon, Villeurbanne be integrated into the care bases for the ben- http://www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/fr/ efit of the people concerned. arrondissements/3arrdt/se_deplacer/ cyclopousse9985 The costs for personnel and inventory of the care bases are covered by the health insur- 2.2 – Good Public Services ance and the communities, according to federal law. The initial financial support by the Many countries also have service centers for state is € 45.000 for each base. Care bases the elderly. They are important meeting places that collaborate with volunteers receive an for seniors. Civil society has also organized additional one-time € 5.000. inter-generational and political meetings in these venues in Finland. [13] In Belgium, in The Age Action [35] is a charity which pro- Flanders and Brussels there are 172 of them motes positive ageing and better policies and providing many kinds of services to a wide services for older people in Ireland. Working variety of groups in addition to the elderly. with, and on behalf of, older people they aim Assistance is also provided to transportation to make Ireland the best place in the world for the disabled. (14) in which to grow older and to improve com- munication and co-operation among the or- In Germany there are service points that pro- ganisations and individuals concerned with vide information about all questions of old ageing and older people. http://www.ageac- age. [15] tion.ie/objectives-and-activities.htm. Support bases for care And also the [36] Age Concern Northern These support bases are created nearby in or- Ireland: der to advise extensively and independently http://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/ old people and those in need of care and their families. The support bases create fo- 2.3 – Social and Cultural Inclusion cal points for old and dependent people and their families to advise them in all matters: The Swedish National Institute of Public Health has recently published a report titled ■ regarding care; “It is never too late”. [16] With this report the ■ services for care and health insurance; institute wants to increase knowledge and [53] inspire the establishment of meeting places and have to take a detour to reach a certain that promote social interaction, physical ac- destination. The suit makes the knees stiff, tivity and good eating habits among older limbs heavy and restricts hearing and seeing. people. Examples of good practice projects Falling in transportation facilities is also dealt in municipalities, county councils/healthcare with by David Manion, [18] Director of Age and non-governmental organizations are also Concern and Help the Aged Scotland. He has included in the report. expressed his concern about the use of negative terms such as “support ratio” and “de- As disabled elderly particularly face con- pendency ratio”.22 He pointed out that older straints in moving around, it would be impor- people are significant contributors to the so- tant that at least those moving around with a ciety as volunteers, contributing £30 a year walker be allowed to major risk care against to the economy, even without including the hip and other fractures. Those decision mak- value of grand parenting activities! Indeed, ers who do not grasp the difficulties of disa- we must get rid of such negative stereotyp- bled seniors’ problems, should wear a special ing and start supporting active ageing. Many outfit, developed by orthopedics, opticians seniors volunteer their work. It benefits the and geriatrists in Germany. [17] society and the elderly themselves. It requires Age suits reveal difficulties older persons incentives. may experience in everyday life. With a special suit, administrations and companies want Germany [26] has the programme of Mul- to convey the state of 70 year old people or tigenerational Houses (Mehrgenrationen- older ones and thus show how they can cope häuser) as community drop-in-centres for all in public life, for example, how difficult is can generations. The federal programme is aiming be to ride a bus or a train. What problems to transfer the cooperation of the generations they incur when they have to climb stairs or from private to public settings. Today already go shopping. This suit has been developed 200 houses are working, until 2010 it is envis- for three years by orthopedics, opticians and aged that 450 houses are active in Germany. gerontologists. Test persons are young peo- The funded houses are using the expertise ple who cannot usually imagine what situa- and potential o by being open community tions older people might find themselves in. drop-in-centres where all generations can But these suits make your knees stiff, your meet. For EAGLE the multigenerational house bones heavy, inhibit your hearing and sight. in Nürnberg in the federal state of Bavaria was analysed. A multigenerational house is a It is a good idea that people who plan for meeting place for people of different ages in seniors now have the opportunity to realize a specific city or community. It is planned as that elevators are needed. Where there are an open place, where young and old people none, at least in higher floors, especially in offer and take mutual support, furthetmore a department stores, there should be chairs; network, which brings services and demands displays and time tables should have larger of different age groups together. Information: scripts, since sometimes glasses might be for- www.globalaging.org//elderlyrights/ gotten. This experience would be especially world/2007/multigenerational07.pdf useful for city planners. People using wheel- chairs or walkers often face high pavements

22 http://www.globalaging.org/health/world/2010/report-germany.pdf [54] Another Ageing for Europe!

In Germany there also are campaigns to ener- The project shows that wonderful dialogues gize cities with a new paradigm “Patenschaf- occur and that the children treat the seniors ten von Mensch zu Mensch”/ Sponsorships unbiased. In the end pictures result where sen- from person to person [20] Here is a very iors are reminded of how they looked previ- good example from the city Arnsberg. It in- ously, e.g. blonde instead of grey hair. volves changing our ideas on ageing with a Sometimes the seniors are fascinated by shift away from seeing ageing as a deficit to the portraits when they turn out funny and promoting the elderly as a rich source for vari- weird. Thus the brain is motivated to think ous civil society activities. The idea is to act in differently. mutually responsible inter-generational teams, also for the benefit of future generations. In Ireland there are programs for elderly too: ■ Alone [27]: raises awareness of age-relat- Primary school pupils go to the Senior Resi- ed issues in schools, community groups and dential Park Arnsberg in order to paint with through the media (http://www.alone.ie/) dementia patients. ■ Senior Help Line: [29]: a confidential listen- The artist Cornelia Büeler specializes in the ing service for older people by older people creative work with dementia patients as an for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland art therapy and has developed the following (http://www.seniorhelpline.ie) concept: ■ Third Age Foundation: helps protect the rights of older people by providing informa- Changing groups of 5 to 8 pupils in 4th grade tion and accessing new ideas so that older work for one week with dementia patients. people can make a positive difference to Thus the children get to know old age and it themselves and their community. The founda- is also a stimulating therapy for the dementia tion enables older people to have a voice and patients. to act as an advocate for other older people where necessary and supports older people to At the beginning of the project, the art ther- enjoy their older years by encouraging them apist prepares the children for the meeting to remain active, stimulated, and interested with the dementia patients and draws black- in life-long learning and community service. and-white portraits of the seniors to prepare The foundation helps elderly people to avoid for the work. When making the portraits she the potential isolation of living alone or living starts to talk to the seniors because they ap- in a rural environment by creating a sense of preciate when somebody looks at them for a belonging and encouraging older people to long time, since this creates a feeling of ap- look out for each other and create their own preciation and warmth. “social extended family”. At the same time, it dispels myths and stereotypes about older The children see the seniors’ portraits first people by showing their continued lust for and can choose one. Additionally they are life and by having loads of fun with lots of instructed how to approach the sick people. new friends. Last but not least, the Third Age This also includes repeating questions, al- Foundation promotes the physical and social though this might be difficult sometimes. well being of older people by engaging them in a never-ending contact process that pro- By asking questions and receiving answers the vides practical and emotional support appro- children color the sketches with watercolors. priate to the current needs of older people. [55]

2.4 – Fight against poverty generations and nations. The city did away from elderly people with prejudices against older persons, recognized their dormant and unused potentials In Vienna, Austria there is a House for and skills and uses them. In a dialogue with Homeless Seniors [30] because approx. politicians, administrative personnel, free rep- 5.000 person in Vienna are homeless. Al- resentatives, institutions, associations, feder- though there are approx. 3.600 beds provided ations, education institutions and especially by various social institutions, many homeless with people affected in the second half of – for different reasons – do not make use of their life a concept was developed. There was them. In 1999 dedicated persons founded – a series of projects with and for elderly, e.g.: together with homeless people – in the ninth district of Vienna an association called neun- - senior newspaper; erHAUS, aiming at providing a roof over the - fit through yoga till old age; heads of homeless people and to enable them - sponsorship for very old and vulnerable to lead an independent life. Three houses al- people ready exist, where the association provides a - relief for family caregivers; new home for approx.16 homeless persons. In - project addiction in age; the first of these institutions in Hagenmüller- - regular walks and tours for the elderly; gasse (3rd district) 65 men and women have - senior dance tea, senior cinema and social found a permanent home, the house at Bill- events; rothstraße (19th district) offers a temporary - retired education scholars train educators home for 35 men. The third home referred to on work with parents; here in Kudlichgasse (10th district) – the first - seniors and kindergarten children learn to- new house of the association – is the place gether how to deal with computers and in- of refuge for approx. 60 homeless seniors ternet access; who would not be able to manage their daily - replacement grandparents help with language life without help. The concept called “socially promotion and reading in kindergardens; supervised living” offers, if needed, all en- - education sponsorship in kindergardens compassing care and a daily structure, but - sponsorship for a small animal yard, in which also here the preservation and extension of the kindergarden children keep animals; the individual abilities of every occupant are - sponsorship and support of learning-disa- stressed. The institution neunerHAUS Kudli- bled and difficult children; chgasse is supported by the Fonds Soziales - individual sponsorships for foreign children Wien (fund social Vienna) with means pro- - sponsorship for professional training; vided by the city of Vienna. - training by former head teachers for young (Text: Gabriele Kaiser) people fed-up with school; - computer workshop = PC equipment and 2.5 – Voluntary Work maintenance - offering photo workshops, music instruc- A particularly successful model with and tion, seniors as living history books; for older people was [31] developed by the - marketing and organization of voluntary so- town of Arnsberg in Germany already 20 cial, ecological and cultural years. years ago. It developed a network, in which seniors played an important role, despite lim- [email protected] ited funding to become a social city for all www.patenschaft-aktiv.de [56] Another Ageing for Europe!

In Germany a honorary card with discounts Module 2: migration and integration. who is given to seniors who volunteer work for at are the migrants and what does “integra- least five hours per week or 250 hours per tion” mean? year. [19] When applying for the volunteers card, voluntary work must have been done al- Module 3: ecological thinking, ecologic ac- ready for a minimum of three years (or since tion ecological advice for every day the organization has existed) as well as the intention of continuing the volunteer work. Module 4: green cultrual policy. does it exist? The card is valid for three years and may be how should it operate? extended if the conditions are met. Module 5: working in an honorary capacity. 2.6 – Life Long Learning how much honor, how much capacity?

Getting the elderly included as full citizens – Module 6: ethical banking, whereto with “good not marginal and passive recipients – in the money’? society and in its decision-making requires action on many fronts. Both the elderly them- Module 7: retrospective and outlook. what selves and the society need to be educated on happened and what should be new (and dif- the importance of their full human and consti- ferent)? tutional rights. In Austria Green Seniors have organized a series of socio-political education Argumentation training for the Vienna Elec- workshops for elderly people in Vienna. [21] tions 2010

Curiosity drives people of all ages and makes Interested seniors, but also other interested life interesting. Therefore seniors too need persons, can participate actively in top quality to get access to knowledge. In Finland [22a] workshops for socio-political education. The and Germany [22b] lifelong learning is part series focuses on relevant political as well as of the national education policy. There they general Green topics such as ecology, econo- have an Open University of the Third Age in my, social, cultural and economic policies, etc. 70 locations around Finland and around Ger- many. In Finland it was established in 1985 This education series represents one of the to introduce latest research findings to older “best practice models” for the White Book people and offer them opportunities for in- since it follows the principle of life-long learn- dependent academic studies without formal ing and is offered on a low threshold. qualifications. It is a meeting point of scientific knowledge and life experience. 3) Programs for Elderly Migrants

Political education has been offered by the DRK- Multi-cultural senior center “Haus am Green Seniors in Vienna, Austria, since Sandberg” in Duisburg Hochfeld-Hochheide / 2007 till now. [28] Germany drk-haus-am-sandberg.de [25] is a multi-cultural senior-center. Since its founda- The following topics were addressed in 2010: tion in 1997 the house is known all over the country and visited frequently. More than 250 Module 1: just distribution of wealth visitor groups from all over the world wanted [57] to get information about the concept of the 4) Political Inclusion of the Elderly house. It is a model for a multi-cultural fully- residential institution. Paradigm change should also mean recognizing full citizenship and human rights of the It is seen as an example for a multi-cultural elderly. Denmark is an example here. Its old inpatient senior institution. In collaboration age homes are known to be the best in the with the University of Duisburg / Germany world. They are based on the concept where and subsidized by a foundation for welfare- the elderly are perceived neither as clients nor care the pilot project “focus on ethnic old- as patients, but as citizens. Citizenship auto- age care” could be developed and care that matically implies that old people have full is sensitive to culture could be provided. The constitutional rights. They have all the rights growing number of foreigners in need of care that Danish citizens have. Another character- should thus be met. At the moment, there istic, sadly missing in many EU countries, is are, apart from the Germans, 15 Turkish, one the fact that Denmark has legislative Senior Tunisian and 2 Dutch residents. Boards. [23] These Boards are consulted on policy changes and planning, in general. The 18 out of 90 collaborators are migrants them- voices of the elderly are heard and they influ- selves, e.g. they come from Turkey, Russia, Ka- ence decisions. zakhstan, Poland, the Netherlands and Italy. Emphasis is put on the inter-cultural organi- Many good examples can be noticed in Ire- zational development, i.e. the staff and the land as well, through several institutions and services have become inter-culturalized. In initiative already described on pages 50 -51. the course of many years and through a common learning process a collective system on 5) Intergenerationality how to work in a house with multi-cultural residents evolved. The staff regularly partici- Generationen Park [42] Development of a pates in multi-cultural training, e.g. language national-wide cooperation to create, design end civilization. and construct an advanced model of a Gen- eration Active Park together with the Depart- Hospital symbols hardly exist and are re- ment for Biomechanics, Kinesiology, and placed by everyday ones. Residents can bring Applied Computer Science, Faculty of Sport their own furniture and pets. Thus care is Science, University of Vienna, Austria (info@ made possible in a normal environment. generationen-aktiv-park.at)

Residents and their families receive special Training Equipment for Young and Old in multi-cultural offers. Inter-cultural visiting Generation Parks [43] There are some equip- services, prayer rooms for Christians and ment to train strength and endurance, mus- Muslims, an international library, a weekly cles, coordination and train the brain. They Mediterranean market and international fes- are all made of wood and easy to handle. tivals are being offered. Greens in Vienna’s Alsergrund district offer such training. [58] Another Ageing for Europe!

Several types of Generationen Park can be 6) Appendix with detailed Projects found in other European Countries as well. (List of Good Practice Models and [8] You can find an overview here: More Information) http://www.age-platform.eu/en/age-policy- work/solidarity-between-generations/best- [1] Denmark: Health Centre Bauneparken practices Who cares? Care coordination and cooperation to enhance quality in elderly care in the In Germany there is the programme of Mul- European Union 2009 see tigenerational Houses (Mehrgenrationen- http://www.se2009.eu/polopoly_ häuser) as community drop-in-centres for all fs/1.13915!menu/standard/file/ generations. [26] The federal programme is Discussion%20Paper-Who%20Cares.pdf) aiming to transfer the cooperation of the generations from private to public settings. [2] Sweden: Physical Activities on Prescription

Today already 200 houses are working, until [3] UK: Prudential – Vitality Programme 2010 it is envisaged that 450 houses are active http://www.pruhealth.co.uk/insurance/vital- in Germany. The funded houses are open com- ity/what_is_the_vitality_programme munity drop-in-centres where all generations can meet. For EAGLE the multigenerational (4] EU-Wide Good Practice-monitoring tool E- house in Nürnberg in the federal state of Ba- Qualin EU`s Leonardo da Vinci Project varia was analysed. A multigenerational house is a meeting place for people of different ages (5] Austria: National Quality Certificate in a specific city or community. It is planned as an open place, where young and old people [6] England; The Human Rights Act offer and take mutual support, furthermore a network, which brings services and demands [7] Germany: Charter of Rights for People in of different age groups together. Need of Long-Term Care More information: http://www.globalaging.org//elderrights/ [8] Europe world/2007/multigenerational07.pdf Several types of Generation Parks are also in other European Countries In France there is another good example of http://www.age-platform.eu/en/age- generational solidarity ! [44] In Villeurbannes policy-work/solidarity-between-generations/ (a suburb of Lyon) a service of little electric best-practices cars was organised that takes elderly people to the cemeteries where their relatives are [9] UK: Patients and their Families burried. These cars are driven by young peo- are consulted ple who get paid 175 € a day to drive along the elderly. Prior to this, teams of young peo- [10] Sweden: Minister in Department for ple have cleaned the tombs and carried pots Social Affairs with special responsibility of flowers during the past week, getting paid for Public Health and Elderly for that too. More information: [11] Austria: Housing for Homeless Elderly http://www.viva-interactif.com/transport_ personnes_agees_cimetieres.news [59]

[12] Belgium: Free Travel on Busses and [26] Germany has the programme of reduced Travel on Train Multigenerational Houses (Mehrgenrationenhäuser) [13] Finland: Center for Elderly www.globalaging.org//elderlyrights/ world/2007/multigenerational07.pdf [14] Belgium: 172 Service Centers [27] Ireland [15] Germany: Service Points Alone http://www.alone.ie/ [16] Sweden: Report „It is never too late“ Friends of the Elderly: www.friendsoftheelderly.ie [17] Germany: Special Outfit which Shows Third Age: a monthly magazine ‘for people the Physical Difficulties of Elderly who don’t act their age [28] Austria Political education has been [18] Scotland: David Manion – offered by the Green Seniors in Vienna, Against Stereotypes Concerning Elderly since 2007 till now.

[19] Germany: The Volunteet Card [29] Ireland http://www Senior Help Line [20] Germany: Patenschaften von Mensch zu Mensch /Sponsership from person to person [30] Austria e-mail: [email protected] House for homeless seniors in Vienna www.patenschaft-aktiv.de [31] Germany [21] Austria: Socio-Political Education A particularly successful model with and Workshops for older people [email protected] [22a] Finland: Open University of the Third Age www.patenschaft-aktiv.de

[22b] Germany: Open University for Elderly [32] Ireland Third Age [23] Denmark: Legislative Senior Boards www.thirdage-ireland.com

[24] Germany/Belgium/the Netherlands/ [33] Ireland Austria: the European network of “Independent Age” “developing innovative concepts for the www.independentage.ie social integration of older migrants” Documentation for this project: [34] Ireland Elke Obermann, ISAB Köln; „Innovative Centre for Ageing Research Konzepte zu sozialer Integration älterer and Development in Ireland Migrantinnen und Migranten“ (Band 14) http://www.cardi.ie

[25] Germany: DRK-Multikuturelles S eniorenzentrum „Haus am Sandberg“ drk-haus-am-sandberg.de [60] Another Ageing for Europe!

[35] Ireland personnes_agees_cimetieres.news Age Action is a charity http://www.ageaction.ie/objectives-and- [45] Registration for the Heat Wave Alert to activities.htm avoid that elderly suffer in hot sommers [36] Age Concern Northern Ireland http://213.30.179.215/form/FormCanicule. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/ php

[37] Ireland [46] In the Netherlands there are more and TILDA The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing more Areas for Combines Living and Care www.tilda.ie where young and old live together.

[38] Ireland VII. Conclusions with Trinity Consortium on Ageing Research the Study http://www.tcd.ie/research/ageingconsortium/index.php Well-being of all citizens including the elderly [39] In France is a special service for elderly must be put at the center of political agen- CYCLOPOUSSE das, based on real facts not stereotypical as- http://www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/fr/ sumptions. The progress must be monitored arrondissements/3arrdt/se_deplacer/cyclo- on a regular basis with a simple set of indica- pousse9985 tors, at least when party political agendas are revised and prepared. [40] Ireland Pobal Life-expectancy is a poor indicator and must www.pobal.ie be replaced with healthy life expectancy. With average life expectancy increasing at the [41] Ireland rate of about two years every decade, it is im- AgeingWell Network portant to ensure that healthy life expectancy http://www.ageingwellnetwork.ie/index. increases at the same rate as life expectancy. php?id=44 Elderly women, especially over the age of 75, require special attention as long as their [42] Austria healthy life expectancy is decreasing. Since Generation Park men’s suicide rates are high particularly for ([email protected] those above 75, they also require support to overcome any problems that result in a high [43] Europe incidence of suicides. Training Equipment for Young and Old in Generation Parks Poverty of elderly people requires urgent at- http://www.age-platform.eu/en/age- tention by political parties and governments. policy-work/solidarity-between-generations/ Pension reforms should not be carried out best-practices without social and poverty impact assess- ments. Special attention must be paid to [44] A good examples of generational soli- most poverty-prone and vulnerable countries, darity !. especially during financial crises, when social http://www.viva-interactif.com/transport_ safety nets tend to weaken. In 2008 coun- [61] tries high at-risk-of-poverty included Estonia, for the profit of a few. When public services, Latvia and Lithuania, Greece and Portugal such as post offices and health clinics are cut have since joined this group. Spain may join and bus connections reduced, it will be dif- them too if its economy declines. But even ficult for the elderly, who have small pensions countries, which performed well in the past, or who are sick, to manage, let alone be ac- have started to slide into elderly poverty: tive. Traveling long distances is also environ- Poland, Sweden, Austria and France. In the mentally unfriendly, increasing carbon dioxide present economic crisis scenario, the chal- output. lenge for the countries is to strike a delicate balance between current recovery strategies A good public service network must be pro- and future sustainability of public finances moted together with reduced fares for sen- and pensions. Clear and bold social policy iors or free travel for those living with basic choices are required from national govern- pensions. Access with walkers should also be ments to devise – as suggested by Asghar made easy. Zaidi – a credible strategy to reduce public debt, but without compromising important Elderly people of all ages should be encour- aspects of current and future welfare systems aged to participate in political life and in elec- – including those designed to protect older tions. generations. Elderly migrants need special help in order to There should also be a flexibility, that allows better come to terms with their old age in those seniors, who so wish, to work full-time their host country. Special policies need to be or part-time. There is much to be learned devised in this respect. from employers like B&Q in the UK which has abolished barriers in senior employment. The old and young generations have to inter- Enterprises benefit too. They not only have act more with each other, because both sides benefited from skills that come with life expe- are interested in finding common political so- rience, they have also increased their profits, lutions for the future welfare of everybody. and staff turnover has drastically reduced, less absenteeism and improved customer service. Budget cuts of essential public services and An Employers Forum on Age has also been pensions must be opposed. If governments created by employers for employers to remove are short of funds, they need to introduce barriers to an age-balanced workforce. new taxes instead, new environmental taxes, taxes on affluence and flamboyant consump- Passive ageing has health and economic costs. tion as well as a financial transaction tax, e.g. Therefore, active ageing must be supported Tobin tax. Governments also need to claim by affordable access to transport services. back public money not paid in taxes but in- The “new public management model” cur- vested in tax havens. rently in use justifying cuts of public services in the name of “efficiency” is an enemy to At the same time it is important to support public services that serve citizens in general. true efficiency that comes with quality out- The model is also not new, but a replication of puts and good networks of services with in- the old enclosure movement, which started in novative planning. We must promote social the 17th century in England. Its objective that innovations, which not only take care of old time and now is to use common resources citizens’ rights, but also save money in the [62] Another Ageing for Europe! long run. In general the governments must ecologic security. The big social upheaval stop reacting to economic constraints by re- caused by the crisis will enable us the renew flexive reactions and short-term solutions, capitalism and to improve our world. which in the long-term become very expen- sive. Budgets and government programs IX. Biographies need to integrate the concerns of elderly and be based on statistical facts and trends. Anita Kelles-Viitanen is a former Vice-Chair of ENGS and today a Chair of ATTAC Finland VIII. Next Steps and Vice-Chair of Happy Years Association64 in Finland. She also leads the watch group Our indicators which we can compare based ProKuntapalvelut that monitors the Helsinki on the statistical findings make a regular City budget and municipal social services. check possible. In the future there might be In the past, she also functioned as a Senior changes in the individual European countries, Advisor for ILO in South Asia, Manager of since our so-called political compass reflects Social Development in the Asian Develop- these changes. The statistical data show ment Bank and also as an Innovation Policy where progress has been made or where defi- Coordinator in IFAD. She holds a Postgradu- cits appear. Green politics must reflect these ate degree in Social Sciences with specializa- changes and take measures to implement the tion in Social Anthropology. She has written correct political measures. on social development, gender, poverty and social inclusion as well as on social cohesion The Green New Deal – Answers for an Age- and post-conflict. ing Society Birgit Meinhard-Schiebel, born in 1946 has The way out of the worldwide political crisis degrees in acting, adult education, advertis- of the economy and the environment is de- ing and social management. Her career was scribed explicitly and exemplarily in the Green mainly spent in education and the social New Deal. field, her last position was area manager for social services of the Austrian Red Cross. In Our aim is a sustainable economy together 2005 she started her political career with the with ecology – spanning from the extension Greens in Vienna. Since then she has been of public transportation to the promotion of the chairwoman of the Initiative of Green renewable energy and environment-friendly Seniors in Vienna (IGS), vice-chairwoman of technology, taking into account truly equal the Green Seniors Austria (DGS), she was the opportunities. spokesperson for the Green Party of Vienna in 2008. She works on a voluntary basis. She Old age is not a state of emergency, neither also volunteers as the president of the Aus- in the Green Deal. Concepts and measures trian representation of care-giving family regarding the economy and the environment members. She aims at freeing old age form which have to be taken for the benefit of eve- its taboo status and to initiate inter-genera- rybody must not lead to generation inequal- tional models. As the Austrian Delegate she is ity. In certain areas age has a different focus also a board-member of ENGS such as day to day life and special needs, but all measures also aim at giving equal oppor- Lucille Ryan O`Shea tunities to other generations, economic and Dr. Lucille Ryan O’Shea has a Ph.D. in Clinical [63]

Psychology, a M.Sc. in Psychology and a B.Sc. the board for two years and still is a mem- in Literature and Education. She is a clinical ber of the Seniors Council of the city. She was psychologist, in private consultancy in the also on the board of Grüne Alte in Germany West of Ireland. Before moving to Ireland, and is one of the founders of ENGS (Euro- where she became a citizen, she worked as a pean Network of Green Seniors), where she psychologist for more than 25 years in Palm holds the post of Secretary General. Beach, Florida. Our special thanks to Kitty Weinberger for She has special interest in the two most al- translation work and to Marina Barbalata and ienated age groups: the adolescent and the Leonore Gewessler, GEF, for their support. elderly, maintaining that the two groups are widely misunderstood, and underestimated. She has also worked extensively with asylum seekers in Ireland, and has spent more than ten years working with survivors of clerical child sexual abuse in Ireland.

She has been a member of the Irish Green Party/Comhaontas Glas since 1994; has held numerous elected positions on local regional, national and international Green Party levels. She is founder and co-Convenor of the Irish Green Seniors; Convenor of the Policy on Older Persons; Treasurer of Green Islands Network, and a member of the Financial Ad- visory Board of the European Green Party.

Ute Schmitz was born in June 1940, is mar- ried and has three grown children. She was trained as a teacher for Protestant Religion, Art and German and held several different teaching jobs. In the beginning of the seven- ties she lived in Spain for two years. By June 2005 she had worked for 14 years as a Ger- man teacher in the NATO Headquarters in Rheindahlen / Germany to teach German to British Officers. Now she is retired. At the moment she teaches illiterate migrants to read and write German.

Her political career started at the age of 60. She is in the party Bündnis 90/ Die Grünen in Mülheim an der Ruhr / in the Ruhr District of North Rhine Westphalia, where she is a member of the parliamentary group. She was in

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