Focus on
> IntergenerationAll: the Gulbenkian Foundation strengthens relations across ages - In 2010/2011 18 pilot projects, 11 in the UK and 7 in Portugal were supported to plan, test and implement their ideas for new intergenerational activities.
> Joseph Rowntree Foundation launches a website celebrating old age - The website is a platform where older people can share their experiences and where the needs of different groups of elderly are analyzed.
News and events
> Innovation partnership for an active and healthy ageing: Moving forward - On 29 February 2012 the European Commission endorsed a four-year action plan for the Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP)
> European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations: get involved at national level - A list of national contact points that are in charge of the coordination and implementation of the activities at national level.
> A written declaration for an Age-Friendly European Union by 2020 - A written declaration identifying concrete commitments to promote active ageing and solidarity between generations through the creation of an Age-Friendly European Union by 2020.
> How local and regional actors can contribute to active ageing? - On 14 February 2012 the Committee of the Regions will invite local and regional stakeholders to discuss their contribution to the year.
> European intergenerational viewpoints - video challenge competition 2012- Participation is free and video can be submitted on the dedicated website between 1 January and 15 February 2012.
> Let's all commit to an age-friendly European Union by 2020! The EY2012 coalition presents its manifesto and road map
> European Foundation Centre to attend launch of the European Year 2012 for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations - The event will focus on how innovation can bring new solutions to the challenges of an ageing society in Europe
> European Year 2012 of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. Do not miss the opportunity to get involved! - The European Year will be officially launched in January 2012 Copenhagen,discover in the article how you can get involved.
> European Foundation Centre joins coalition for an age-friendly European Union - The EFC has joined a growing coalition of stakeholders in signing a manifesto to promote an age-friendly European Union.
> European Foundations provide innovative solutions to age-old problems - Finding innovative solutions to the growing ageing demographic in Europe is a key objectives of many public - benefit foundations
> Ageing in Dignity:Designing effective strategies for tackling elder abuse - The purpose of the conference will be to take stock of the achievements of recent EU projects related to elder abuse and to exchange views about what needs and could be done at national and European level.
> New brochure on EU funding to promote active ageing - The brochure presents EU funding possibilities for regional and local initiatives to promote active ageing and solidarity between generations.
About the year
The European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations aims to contribute to raising-awareness and promoting active ageing and solidarity between generationsat a time when the EU grapples with a steadily ageing population and its impacts on public services and finances. Active ageing is understood as creating more opportunities for older people to continue working, to stay healthy longer and to continue to contribute to society in other ways, for example through volunteering.
Key objectives of the European Year will be as follows:
- To raise general awareness of the value of active ageing and solidarity between generations;
- To stimulate a debate and develop mutual learning between Member States and stakeholders at all levels, including civil society organisations;
- To encourage and support policymakers and stakeholders to promote active ageing and solidarity between generations.
A wide range of activities are planned at European, national, regional or local level linked to the objectives and themes of the European Year.
> Pledges for the European Year for Active Ageing: everybody has a role to play
> Take part in the European Year of Active Ageing 2012
Check the dedicated 2012 European Year website
The Coalition for the 2012 European Year
To know more about the European Year's objectives, activities and organisation, read 
EFC Briefing or contact EFC secretariat at eu@efc.be