The European Commission has adopted its first-ever “Report on the Impact of Demographic Change” which takes a deep look at the drivers of this long-term change and the impact it is having across Europe.

The report shows long-term demographic trends in Europe’s regions – from longer life expectancy, to lower birth rates, ageing societies, smaller households and increasing urbanisation. It also shows Europe’s declining share of global population – expected to account for less than 4% of the world’s population by 2070. 

The publication kick-starts the Commission’s work in this area and will help identify how the people, regions and communities most affected can best be supported. The report is complemented with country fact sheets and a full statistical breakdown. Additionally, it also highlights the links between demographic structures and the impact and recovery potential from the crisis.

The report will notably provide the foundation for the upcoming “Green Paper on Ageing and Long-term Vision for Rural Areas“.

This is an issue which is of vital importance in terms of the continuing provision of quality long-term care. Many Eurodiaconia members provide care for the elderly, both in residential facilities and at home, and form part of our Social and Healthcare Services Network which will be meeting (online) later this year.

 

For more information on the report, please visit the Commission’s website.