European Papers on The New Welfare - The counter-ageing society May 2005 [antikvár]

'Society is getting older - how often have we heard this statement! But it is mistaken. The lengthening of the life cycle, involving better physical and mentái conditions in most cases, introduces us to a counter-ageing society, where the older generations are cl early 'younger' than they have been in the past (in Italian this is called the process of 'svecchiamento'J. The rest of the developing world, where the generations of those under 30 and 20 years of age are still dominant, will soon (in two or three decades) achieve the demographic structure of the industrialized countries. In 2040, China will have a population of over-60-year-olds which, in percentage terms, will be greater than that of the United States. Such an estimáte is reliable as the generations concerned have already been born. As in Japan orNorth America, we in Europe are in an advantageous position to prepa re and manage a world which is living through the greatest social-demographic revolutiorí in history; one which derives from the constant increase in life expectancy of two to three rnonths per year. The challenge is tremendous: the achievement of decades of life - of good life -for humankind. The following is just an introductory list of somé ofthe key issues: • First is the under standing and monitoring of scientific and technological advances in many scientific fields (biology, medicine, gerontology, communications, etc.). • Being active and 'productive' beyond 60-65 years of age can and must be a privilege and the best 'medicine for a longer and better life. • Learning and education should be better integrated in all phases ofthe life cycle, well beyond 60 years of age. The possibilities for society and economy should be better understood: we no longer live in an 'industrial, manufacturing-based' society, but one based on a 'Service Economy . Over 80% ofall types ofwork are services, even within traditionally manufacturing companies. This reduces the number of people required to perform physically and sometimes mentally painful jobs. Studies have to be carried out to highlight employment demands and possibilities in the various service occupations and activities at all age classes and age cycles. Each type of humán activity is best per förmed within a certain age period: a tennis champion normally 'retires before 30. The same applies to a theoretical mathematician, where the brain needs itsfull capacityfor abstract reasoning. However, there has been an expolsion in the needfor things to be done in education, health care, tourism and all related activities. There is great potential for work (paid or voluntary) for those over 60. Education and learning then must be related not only to update ones specialization, but alsó to better prepare for new types of activities more in tune with each age class. A key issue is to see part-time work or activities as a cornerstone around which to build the new welfare. Concerning the situation ofthe welfare state in the various European countries, it is easy to detect huge differences. However, the basic social and economic problems are very similar all over and within the next two to three decades (lefs be cautious...) they will lead to more and more convergent and generálly 'European solutions. Yes, longer life in better health will mean increased costsfor research and treatments in this area. They might double in terms of percentage ofGNP in somé countries within the next 20 or