1993 is Europear Year of Older People and Solidarity between Generations. Its purpose is to make the public aware of the changes coming in society as a result of our ageing population. As everyone knows, older people are becoming an ever more important part of the Community and their expectations of society are changing. During the European Year 1993 the following topics will be addressed: * making it easier for older people to live independent lives; * coping with health problems in old age; * appreciating the positive contribution of older people to society and promoting solidarity between generations; * promoting active participation by older people in society; * improving dialogue and understanding in the Community in order to cope better with the challenges of ageing. The Year will be an occasion both of celebration and reflection. The good news - longer and better lives - will be celebrated in exhibitions, festivals and books. What all this means in terms of older people's rights and needs will be addressed in studies and seminars. Attention will focus as never before on the concerns and hopes of older people. By the beginning of 1993 over 300 projects and activities were being organized to highlight the key topics of the Year, at Community, national and local levels. New events are being added daily. The Year will be launched formally at 14h30 on 21 January 1993 by Mr Jacques Delors, President of the Commission in a ceremony involving 6000, mainly older, people. Venue is Forest National, Brussels, and all accredited journalists are invited. A press conference on the 1993 European Year will be given by Mr Padraig Flynn, Commissioner for Social Affairs and Employment, at 12h15 on 21 January 1993 in the Commission Press Room, Breydel Building. All accredited journalists are invited. * * *
