The UNECE region – which covers 56 countries in Europe, North America and Asia – is experiencing population ageing earlier than other regions. Today, 194.9 million people in the region are aged 65 or over, representing 15.4% of the total population – up from 13.1% in 2002. This brings significant challenges, but also a wealth of opportunities if the potential that living longer holds for individuals, economies and societies at large is properly harnessed.
As host to the Working Group on Ageing – the only standing intergovernmental body on ageing in the regional United Nations system – UNECE supports countries in the region in the development of wide-ranging innovation and reform to adapt to demographic transformations. UNECE supports countries in implementing their commitments of the Madrid International Plan of Action and its Regional Implementation Strategy (MIPAA/RIS, adopted in 2002) through policy advice, by tracking progress and trends, and by fostering the exchange of experiences and expertise between countries.
At its tenth meeting, the Working Group will review the outcomes of the 4th UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing, identifying strategies for concrete actions to support countries in reaching three priority policy goals by 2022, namely:
• Recognizing the potential of older persons, • Encouraging longer working life and ability to work, • Ensuring ageing with dignity.
This picture was taken by the photographer David Hurn in 2000, during the mens over 90's 50m dash in Arizona. Hurn is a self-taught photographer. He has a longstanding international reputation as one of Britain's most influential reportage photographers. His prints are acquired by many leading collectors and museums.
