A study published in March 2021 by the Terra Nova think tank and the Transitions démographiques, Transitions économiques (TDTE) research chair estimates that the number of people aged 65 and over in the EU-27 is set to rise from 89 million in 2010 to 125 million in 2030, marking an increase of 40%, while the number of people aged 80 and over could increase three-fold by 2060. The upshot of this increase in life expectancy is a steady rise in the number of dependent persons, with an estimated ratio of 38.3% in 2030 and over 50% in 2060, compared with just 25.9% in 2010. These figures raise questions for companies about the situation of family carers, because the number of employees caring for a dependent relative is also constantly on the rise. More than half of carers are currently in work. The study also estimates that informal care covers 60% of needs on average across the European Union, with large disparities among member states. Meanwhile an assessment carried out in 2020 by Interfaccia, in partnership with Tilia, Responsage and Le Lab RH, shows that the ageing of the population is not the only driver of the increase in the need for carers: 50% of family carers look after a spouse or a child, which may lead them to become carers for two individuals in the near future. Currently, more than 39% of in-work carers are already looking after two dependent people (+19 percentage points compared to 2017). The issue of recognition for family carers and striking a balance between their care duties and their professional situation is therefore becoming increasingly critical.
