© Adobe Stock/K. Barquero Many of today’s older adults are significantly more active, healthier, and more energetic than their peers in previous generations. UN report: Beliefs about aging shape our future Ana Carmo Sustainable Development Goals
The way society views the aging process directly affects public policy and shapes people’s personal expectations for their lives in old age. This is stated in a report published on Wednesday by the UN Economic Commission for Europe. The EEC calls for an end to narratives that present older people as a burden to society.
Aging is often accompanied by hackneyed sayings like “it’s time to slow down,” “the best years are behind us,” “old age is no joy,” and so on. These seemingly harmless clichés shape public perceptions of older people—and how people see themselves as they get older.
In many cultures, aging continues to be associated with decline in energy, dependence on help from loved ones, and withdrawal from active social life. Such perceptions cause people to internalize ageist beliefs that ultimately undermine their own well-being.
In a new UNECE policy brief on “Changing perceptions of aging and older people” (Changing the Narrative on Ageing and Older Persons) emphasizes that the way society talks about aging has far-reaching consequences.
In many countries in the UNECE region, which covers Europe as well as parts of North America and Asia, population aging is often seen as a societal problem or even a harbinger of a looming crisis.
The report’s authors call for more balanced, evidence-based and inclusive narratives that more accurately reflect the opportunities associated with increasing life expectancy. The report also provides examples of initiatives that promote more positive images of aging and practical recommendations for population policymakers.
Beyond Stereotypes
People are now living longer—and in many cases, healthier. Millions of older adults continue to work, volunteer, care for loved ones, and contribute to their communities.
In the European Union, approximately 41 million people aged 55 to 64 years are actively participating in the labor market, and their participation has increased significantly over the past decade. Older people also make enormous contributions through unpaid care and volunteering, strengthening families, communities and local economies. Such contributions are increasingly seen as a window of economic opportunity rather than a problem.
A recent report from the World Economic Forum calls longevity “one of the most important, manageable and undervalued drivers of economic growth” for countries with populations of all ages. Its authors emphasize that concerted approaches that link longer, healthier lives to financial resilience can create significant economic opportunities in the coming years. However, these realities are often overshadowed by crisis rhetoric focused on pressure on pension systems, health care and public finances.
Research shows that age stereotypes have a real impact on the health, well-being and social inclusion of older people, so we need to combat ageism and increase social participation at all stages of life. The report also highlights that ageism affects people of all ages and undermines trust and solidarity between generations.
From words to action
To help countries change the public discourse on aging, UNECE offers a practical platform for action. Recommendations include developing a clear and realistic vision of aging, involving older people in decision-making, emphasizing the diversity of life experiences and consistent policies at the institutional and media levels.
Key message: Changing the narrative must be supported by real policy action.
UNECE emphasizes that the problem is not aging itself, but how societies react to it. By treating longevity as a human achievement and a window of opportunity rather than a crisis, governments can expand the range of policy options, strengthen intergenerational solidarity, and build support for long-term change.