Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Ageing is often associated with messages of decline and withdrawal, shaping how societies and individuals perceive older persons and potentially limiting their wellbeing, according to a UNECE policy brief on ageing narratives.
In the UNECE region, ageing is frequently framed as a burden or crisis, which can overshadow the active roles millions of older people play in the workforce, volunteering, and caregiving. For example, about 41 million individuals aged 55 to 64 remain economically active in the European Union, with participation rates rising significantly.
The brief also cites a World Economic Forum report describing longevity as a major economic opportunity, with the potential for multi-trillion-dollar growth through coordinated policies that improve health and financial resilience.
However, the use of crisis-oriented terms such as "demographic time bomb" or "silver tsunami" may reinforce stereotypes and narrow the scope of public and policy discussions on demographic change.
The UNECE policy brief recommends balanced, age-inclusive narratives that recognize the diversity of ageing experiences and support policies for longer, healthier lives.