Ageing in Europe--challenges and consequences.

This article outlines the five key social and economic policy challenges presented by the ageing population of the European Union (EU). These challenges are the maintenance of economic security in old age, preserving intergenerational solidarity, combating the social exclusion created by age discrimination, providing long-term care in the context of changes in family and residence patterns, and enabling older people to participate in society as full citizens. The nature of each of these challenges is discussed and priorities pinpointed. The discussion of policy challenges is preceded by an outline of the demographic context of the EU: the combination of declining fertility and increasing longevity. This also includes a discussion of the links between demography and policy. The conclusion of the article considers the current threat to the European model of social policy and suggests ways in which the gerontological community might contribute to its defence.