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It is a great pleasure and honour to participate as a speaker at today's European Policy Conference on Active, Healthy and Dignified Ageing. Decent ageing and human rights are issues of fundamental importance and should be placed high on the agenda of the political priorities of every modern European state.
It is proven that population ageing is one of the most important social and economic challenges of the 21st century for European societies and beyond.
Official statistics from the United Nations show that by 2030 citizens over 60 years of age will account for 20% of the world's population, while by 2050 the number will reach 2.1 billion.
At the level of the European Union, between 2005 and 2015, the proportion of elderly people aged 80 and over in the total population of the Member States increased from 4% to 5.3%, i.e. one person in every 20.
At the level of the European Union, between 2005 and 2015, the proportion of elderly people aged 80 and over in the total population of the Member States increased from 4% to 5.3%. Estimates suggest that the number of people aged 60 and over will double by 2025 and within more than 30 years will exceed 2 billion people.
According to the World Ageing Report 2015, the increase in the number of people in old age is due to a decrease in mortality, with a parallel increase in life expectancy, as well as a decrease in births, leading to an increase in the number of adults and older people across the planet.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Ageing is a natural evolutionary process that affects everyone. It is in fact an inescapable biological reality that completes the cycle of human life and deserves our undivided attention and respect.
The period of ageing is often associated with entrenched stereotypes and outdated perceptions, creating multiple problems and challenges, such as age segregation and exclusion, neglect, abuse, violence, economic exploitation and marginalisation are just some of the painful realities faced by older people around the world.
At the same time, older people face discrimination in terms of access to health services, insurance, banking facilities, and in many cases are more severely and adversely affected by poverty, racism and social exclusion. Unfortunately, the social and ageist racism with which older people are often confronted often makes their deepest needs, concerns and aspirations invisible and negligible in many cases.
In Cyprus, according to 2019 demographic statistics, the percentage of people aged 65 and over is 16.3% of the total population, with constantly increasing trends, while life expectancy is estimated at 84.7 years for women and 80.3 years for men.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Older people are a vulnerable social group that needs the continuous support of the state and society at large. It is a common belief that all older people, men and women, without exception, have the right to have access to quality, adequate and safe living and living conditions. This will consequently facilitate their equal and unhindered access to affordable and high quality long-term care services, to creative employment and re-activation programmes, as well as to a range of other social services and benefits.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great satisfaction that I express from this platform the determination of this Government to address the issues related to the ageing population in the context of a coherent and integrated policy.
It is with great satisfaction that I express from this platform the determination of this Government to address the issues related to the ageing of the population in the context of a coherent and integrated policy.
It is with great satisfaction that I express from this platform the determination of this Government to address the issues related to the ageing of the population in the context of a coherent and integrated policy. Very recently, the Council of Ministers decided to develop the first National Strategy and the corresponding National Action Plan for the Third Age and Active Ageing.
The aim is the coordinated development and promotion of actions and policies relating to quality living for older people, their inclusion in society as a whole, active and healthy ageing, lifelong learning and ensuring their human rights.
As Minister responsible for gender equality, gender-based violence and human rights, I assure you from this platform that we are promoting coordinated actions, measures and policies aimed at fostering and consolidating a culture of equality and respect for inalienable human rights. In this context, we have developed and are promoting the implementation of the first National Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights, with a particular focus on the protection and respect of human rights, compliance with European and international Recommendations and the information and awareness-raising of civil society on these sensitive issues.
At the same time, we have proceeded to create a comprehensive legislative and institutional framework to prevent and address all forms of gender and domestic violence. At the same time, we have established the National Coordinating Body for the Prevention and Combating of all forms of gender-based violence, which promotes measures and actions to eliminate this shameful phenomenon.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today's Conference is a unique opportunity to develop an honest and open debate around the ongoing challenges faced by older people in Cyprus and Europe, away from prejudices and short-sighted approaches.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today's Conference is a unique opportunity to develop an honest and open debate around the ongoing challenges faced by older people in Cyprus and Europe, away from prejudices and short-sighted approaches.
At a time when the ageing of the population is proceeding at a rapid pace, the shielding of the elderly and the effective management of their needs and realities emerges as an immediate and urgent necessity.
It is certainly particularly promising that the creation of an inclusive society that promotes universal respect for the human rights of all people individually, including the vulnerable groups of the population, including the elderly, is a common goal. After all, their right to independence, equal participation, care, autonomy and dignity is fully recognized and internationally enshrined.
Dear Colleagues,
We as a state and as a society must collectively and in a coordinated manner continue and intensify efforts to safeguard and promote the human rights of older persons, as a minimum sign of appreciation and recognition of their enduring contribution to society. Ageing is a distillation and wealth of accumulated knowledge, experience and wisdom, and their full utilisation will lead to building more productive, peaceful and sustainable societies.
In conclusion, I wish for a fruitful and productive debate, which will lead to even more important breakthroughs that will further improve the conditions and living standards of our elderly fellow human beings.
Thank you.
(ΘΘ/ΝΓ/ΑΣΠ)
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