Lessons from the SAPEA report and its application to the Spanish context
Co-organised by SAPEA, FEAM and the Spanish Royal Academy of Medicine to celebrate the International Day of older persons.
1st October 2019
Calle Arrieta nº12, 28013 Madrid
During this event the SAPEA evidence review, ‘Transforming the future of ageing’ was officially handed over to Professor Pearl Dykstra from the Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors. The event coincided with the International Day of Older Persons and this year’s theme was ‘The Journey to Age Equality’. It focused on pathways of coping with existing, and preventing future old age inequalities.
Professor George Griffin, President of FEAM, highlighted that almost 700 million people are now over the age of 60 and by 2050, 2 billion people will be 60 or older. Therefore, it is crucial that we act now in order to change negative narratives associated with ageing.
Professor Jean-Pierre Michel, Chair of the working group that wrote SAPEA report, spoke about reinforcing and updating the social and healthcare workforce in Europe and Vice Chair, Professor Rose Anne Kenny, discussed increasing the quality of care of elderly patients. Additionally, the second Vice-Chair, Professor Richard Reilly presented on the use of technology to promote healthy ageing. Spanish experts, including representatives of the Spanish Ministry of Health and NGOs focused on the current situation for older people in Spain and the event culminated with a vivid panel discussion.