The European Commission has extended the deadline for submissions to the European Year 2012 Awards to 16 of September, with the exception of the “Generations@school Competition” category whose deadline ended in June. The competition will award organisations and individuals that promote active ageing through their activities.

The submissions can be still made to European Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations Award. The European Commission has extended the deadline to apply for this award until 16 of September. The award is part of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 activities, and is divided in six different categories, which are the following ones:

1. “Workplaces for all Ages”: This category recognises the best initiatives by employers, trade unions and not-for-profit organisations that promote better working conditions for older employees.
2. “Towards Age-Friendly Environments”: This category recognises outstanding initiatives by regional or local authorities that create an inclusive and accessible local environment which facilitates active ageing and has a positive effect on health and on the quality of life of all generations.
3. “Social Entrepreneurs”: This category recognises the most successful initiatives undertaken by social entrepreneurs in promoting active ageing and solidarity between generations.
4. “Reporting on Ageing and Relations between Generations”: This category recognises journalists whose work has made a significant contribution to a better understanding of the challenges presented by an ageing society and how they can be tackled, thus raising the level of the public debate and promoting better policymaking.
5. “Life Story Challenge”: This category celebrates the life stories of older people. Members of the younger generation are invited to tell the story of an older person (a family member, neighbour, friend, etc.) and present the noteworthy contribution the "active ager" is making in the family, in society, or at work.
6. “Generations@school Competition”: This is only one category whose deadline for submissions has been closed. From March to June, all schools in Europe were invited to open the doors of their classrooms to older people. Children and older people had the opportunity to reflect together on what they can learn from each other and how to work together for a better future.

The finalists in each category will be invited to the EY2012 Active Ageing Awards ceremony, which is planned to take place in November in Brussels.