European Union governments must start looking at the wider political and social implications of Europe's changing demographics, including the rising number of old people across the continent, the European Commission said Thursday. The Commission - the E.U.'s executive arm - said the bloc faced unprecedented demographic changes that were set to have a major impact on the whole of society. "The issues are much broader than older workers and pension reform. This development will affect almost every aspect of our lives," said E.U. social affairs chief Vladimir Spidla. Governments should prepare to tackle such issues as urban planning, the design of flats, public transport, voting behaviour and the infrastructure of shopping possibilities in our cities, Spidla said. "All age groups will be affected as people live longer and enjoy better health, the birth rate falls and our workforce shrinks. It is time to act now. This debate on a European level is a first step." --More 2342 Local Time 2042 GMT
