The Spanish closing conference of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 is taking place on 21 November. 

Ana Mato Adrover, Minister of Health, Social Services and Equality; Luisa Fernanda Rudi, PM of Aragón regional government; Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, State Secretary of Health, Social Policies and Equality and Cesar Antón Beltrán, Director General of IMSERSO will take part in the event.

The event, under the slogan “Participation of older people in decision making”, is organised by the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality and IMSERSO. This day will demonstrate different national and international models and experiences about how to involve older people in decision making. In addition, activities, materials, publications and resources related to the involvement of older people in decision making processes will be presented.

The conference is also an opportunity for stakeholders and policy-makers to discuss how to build on the political momentum generated by the European Year 2012 and how to ensure a proper follow-up.

László Andor, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, said: “Active ageing is about helping older people to stay in work and share their experience. It is about them continuing to play an active role in society and living as healthy, independent and fulfilling lives as possible. The commitment and innovative ideas shown by thousands of people who work for a better and more inclusive society, give me confidence that we can successfully tackle the challenges of population ageing.”

The European Year 2012 has mobilised a wide range of stakeholders across Europe to take action with the aim of creating better opportunities for active ageing and strengthening solidarity between generations. Hundreds of new initiatives were launched and a vast number of events were organised at European, national, regional or local level.