Published on: 2026-06-25
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Ana Karmo
June 24, 2026 Goals in the field of sustainable development
The way society relates to the aging process directly affects government policy and shapes people’s personal expectations regarding their own lives in old age. This is discussed in a report published on Wednesday by the European Economic Commission of the UN. The EEC calls for abandoning narratives that portray elderly people as a burden to society.
Aging is often accompanied by clichéd expressions like “it’s time to slow down,” “the best years are behind,” “old age is no joy,” and so on. These seemingly harmless clichés shape society’s perception of elderly people—and even how people see themselves as they grow older.
In many cultures, aging is still associated with the decline of strength, dependence on the help of relatives and friends, and withdrawal from active social life. Such views make people adopt ageist beliefs, which ultimately undermine their own well-being.
In the new UN ECE analytical review “Changing the Narrative on Ageing and Older Persons,” it is emphasized: the way ageing is talked about in society has far-reaching consequences.
In many countries of the EAEU region, the UN, enveloping Europe, as well as a number of states in North America and Asia, population aging is often considered a social problem or even a precursor to an impending crisis.
The authors of the report call for a more balanced, fact-based, and inclusive narrative that more accurately reflects the possibilities associated with increased life expectancy. The report also provides examples of initiatives that promote more positive images of aging, as well as practical recommendations for policy developers in the field of population.
Beyond stereotypes
People now live longer—and in many cases healthier. Millions of elderly people continue to work, engage in volunteering, take care of their loved ones, and contribute to the life of their communities.
In the European Union, about 41 million people aged 55 to 64 actively participate in the labor market, and their involvement has significantly increased over the last decade. Elderly people also make a huge contribution in the form of unpaid care and volunteering, strengthening families, communities, and local economies. Such a contribution is increasingly seen as a window of economic opportunities rather than a problem.
A recent report by the World Economic Forum calls longevity “one of the most significant, manageable, and underestimated factors of economic growth” for countries with populations of any age. Its authors emphasize: coordinated policies that link longer and healthier lives with financial sustainability can create substantial economic opportunities in the coming years. However, these realities are often overshadowed by crisis rhetoric focused on pressures on pension systems, healthcare, and public finances.
Research shows that age stereotypes have a real impact on the health, well-being, and social involvement of elderly people, so it is necessary to fight ageism and expand the participation of people in social life at all stages of age. The report also emphasizes that ageism affects people of all ages and undermines trust and solidarity between generations.
From words to deeds
To help countries change the public discourse on aging, the UN EAEK proposes a practical action platform. The recommendations include forming a clear and realistic vision of aging, involving elderly people in the decision-making process, focusing attention on the diversity of life experiences, and consistent policy at the level of institutions and the media.
Key thesis: the change in narrative must be supported by real political measures.
UNECE emphasizes: the problem is not aging itself, but how societies respond to it. Treating longevity as a universal human achievement and a window of new opportunities, rather than a crisis, governments can expand the range of political solutions, strengthen solidarity between generations, and ensure support for long-term transformations.
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