Brussels, 04/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - During its meeting in Brussels on 30 November, the Employment and Social Affairs Council adopted conclusions on the theme “healthy and dignified ageing”. The Council thus underlines the importance of heightened cooperation between member states in order to enhance dignity in elderly care in the EU.
With the adoption of these conclusions, the Council urges: 1) member states to: - continue to make the issue of healthy and dignified ageing one of their priorities for coming years; - adopt an approach centred on preventive measures in order to reduce the burden of chronic diseases, frailty and disability; - and 2) the Commission to present an action plan for further activities in 2011 to promote dignity, health and quality of life for older persons.
The Council considers, moreover, that better conditions relating to elderly care would also make it possible to reduce the cost of care and to partially offset the financial impact of demography in the health and social sectors. (G.B./transl.jl)