When we first planned United for All Ages and went public in late 2010, we didn’t expect a first year quite like 2011. It’s dangerous writing instant history but we live in turbulent times of austerity, protest, uprising, inequality, division and war.

The problem is 2012 promises little better. What we do know is that divide and rule between generations is no recipe for a happy society.

2012 is the European year for active ageing and solidarity between generations.  It must be a year for all ages; a year when older people contribute much more because they are encouraged; when young people do much more because they are given the chance; and multi-generational families do much more because they have the time and resources. 

We live in hope. 19 December 2011