Modern Europe and Aging

This chapter explores the relationship of old age and welfare in Europe. Indeed, foremost, modern European societies with developed welfare systems are governed by concepts of risk and individualization. The field of social gerontology conveys the critical message that there is a pressing need for governments and other agencies to respond to the changing circumstances of an aging European population. European political processes have become preoccupied with the fiscal support of the delivery of social services to an aging population as this demographic shift alters the balance between those in work and paying taxes and those in retirement receiving benefits and consuming health care and social services.