Demographic changes, Ageing

The issue of “Ageing”, is a preoccupation currently shared by all governments and political and economic authorities.

If the community and voluntary sector and the family are already important players, and are called on to play an even more important role in our societies via the taking care of increasing numbers of dependant older persons, do we know what the impact of that increased burden of care will be on both volunteers and family members? What are their needs? What assistance should they benefit from? What is the impact of such a burden of care on the individuals (most often women) who assume such responsibilities in terms of pensions entitlements and the reconciliation of professional with family life?

F.E.F.A.F requests

  • Each woman/man is entitled to a basic pension allowing a reasonable standard of living,
    1. the calculation of which takes into consideration the time spent “caring” for family members,
    2. not linked with her/his own income, nor with a status of remunerated employment,
    3. guaranteeing access to quality services and care.
    4. without questioning existing derived rights
  • Each elderly person has the right to be cared for by her/his family without this becoming an obligation, but remaining a choice on all sides.
  • The caring family must have access to material and psychological help to enable them to take up this supplementary load of work.