France Launches National Autonomy Conference Amid Demographic Shift

France is facing a demographic cliff, with projections indicating a near doubling of elderly individuals requiring care by 2050. Le Figaro, as a leading French publication, recognizes the urgency and complexity of this issue. The government's announcement of a national conference on autonomy in September, while a step forward, arrives after significant delays and disappointment regarding a comprehensive "grand âge" (elderly care) law.

For decades, stakeholders have called for a long-term, programmed law akin to defense legislation to tackle the multifaceted challenges of an aging society. The Macron administration's repeated failure to deliver on this promise has led to frustration within the sector. The recent indefinite postponement of a planned "grand âge" plan, attributed to a government reshuffle, has further exacerbated concerns, with the Defender of Rights deeming the situation "worrying."

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The priority is to institutionalize all initiatives through mobilization and the establishment of the National Conference on Autonomy.

The national conference is intended to provide a clear roadmap, addressing prevention, the future of EHPADs, home-based care, shared living arrangements, the crucial role of caregiving professions, and support for informal caregivers. The sheer scale of the challenge is underscored by projections requiring an additional 150,000 to 200,000 jobs just to provide basic care by 2050. This situation highlights a critical juncture for France, demanding decisive action beyond incremental measures.

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This conference will provide us with a clear direction for the coming years to act on all aspects of aging: prevention, the place of our EHPADs tomorrow, home care, shared housing, the role of care professions, and above all, support for caregivers.