EU ministers back ageing partnership

European Union ministers on the Competitiveness Council have endorsed proposals to launch an innovation partnership on active and healthy ageing.

The partnership, which will involve private and public partners, will aim to increase the life expectancy of Europeans by an average of two years by 2020. It seeks to find solutions to societal challenges, while nurturing a competitive advantage for EU businesses in key markets related to ageing.

The partnership aims to improve the health and quality of life of older persons by enabling them to lead an active and autonomous existence, to contribute to the continuity and effectiveness of health care and social security systems and to stimulate competitiveness and business opportunities.