From active ageing to active citizenship: the role of friendliness

The concept of active ageing first appeared in 1999, including the scientific tradition of the positive paradigm of ageing. Active ageing unifies the notions of health, independence, good aging and participation, being this last one the central component. This paradigm was assumed as a broad political response to demographic ageing, which tries to change the traditional concept of old age, providing older people with new roles. The initiative "Age-Friendly Cities and Communities", launched by the WHO in 2005, was raised with the aim of applying this paradigm into practice at the local level. Its purpose is to promote a movement of citizen participation where older people have the leading role as generators of well-being, transcending the barriers of active aging towards a broader concept of citizenship. Additionally, it should be adapted to the current era in which the new generations demand a space where they can develop and contribute to processes with groups and communities which they are identified with, regardless of their age. The revolution of longevity poses challenges, which we can and must take advantage of in order to build a better, more egalitarian society and able to recognise the value of each person regardless of their age and social, cultural or racial condition.