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. 2015 Feb;55(1):83-90.
doi: 10.1093/geront/gnu028. Epub 2014 May 20.

Active and successful aging: a European policy perspective

Liam Foster  1 , Alan Walker  2
Affiliations

Active and successful aging: a European policy perspective

Liam Foster et al. Gerontologist. 2015 Feb.

Abstract

Over the past two decades, "active aging" has emerged in Europe as the foremost policy response to the challenges of population aging. This article examines the concept of active aging and how it differs from that of "successful aging." In particular, it shows how active aging presents a more holistic, life course-oriented approach than successful aging. We provide a critical perspective on active aging too by, first, tracing its emergence in Europe and then showing how, in practice, it has been dominated by a narrow economic or productivist perspective that prioritizes the extension of working life. It has also been gender blind. Nonetheless, it is argued that an active aging approach has the potential to enable countries to respond successfully to the challenges of population aging because of its comprehensive focus and emphasis on societal as well as individual responsibility. Finally, we set out the basic principles that need to be followed if the full potential of active aging is to be achieved.

Keywords: European Commission; Health; Labor market; Life course; Retirement.

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References

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