The European Parliament and Council have declared 2012 to be the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. On the European level, it was launched at the conference in Copenhagen on 18 January 2012. It aims to raise awareness about the important contribution of elderly people to society and support activities leading to the active, healthy and dignified life for seniors. The European Year 2012 covers three dimensions of active ageing:

- Active ageing in employment.
- Participation in society
- Independent living

The International Federation of Ageing (IFA) arranged the 11th Global Conference on Ageing, which was held in Prague in the period 28 May – 1 June 2012. This year’s theme was entitled Ageing Connects.