Friday 4 May
13.15 – 14.30

In 2017, there was an estimated 962 million people aged 60 or over in the world, comprising 13 per cent of the global population. By 2050 it is estimated that all regions of the world except Africa will have nearly a quarter or more of their populations at ages 60 and above.[1] This ageing population is often perceived in a negative light, as a burden on resource and a crisis waiting to unfold. The image of the older person often portrayed in the media is of the lonely or the dependant, with decisions around their care resting with the family or healthcare professional. However, the reality is very different – many older people participate and contribute to society, and are becoming the pioneers of a process that seeks to emancipate and empower this important sector of society. Movements such as Long Live the Arts encourage elderly people to get involved in their local communities, to challenge themselves by learning new skills, and to take responsibility for their own lives. This new emancipation also extends into healthcare, where wellbeing is the focus of treatment, and the older person is empowered to make choices about how they spend their final days and hours, extending to the choice of when they wish to die.

In this session you will learn:

• How the rapidly ageing population in Europe and across the world can be seen as an asset and not a burden


• How groups and community involvement can improve the lives of the older patient by increase their autonomy and improving mental and physical health


• Why it is important that older patients are empowered to make their own choices about care.

[1] http://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/ageing/

Hedy D’Ancona, Former Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Culture