A new Eurobarometer survey shows that 71 per cent of Europeans are aware that Europe's population is getting older.

However, it goes on to say that only 42 per cent are concerned about this development.

This, it says, is in "stark contrast" with the perceptions of policymakers, who regard demographic ageing as a major challenge.

For most citizens who were surveyed, people aged 55 years and older are considered to play a major role in key areas of society.

Over 60 per cent believe that the public should be allowed to continue working after retirement age and one third says that they would like to work longer themselves.

People closer to retirement are more likely to share this view than the younger generation.

The survey comes as the EU last week launched the 2012 European year of active ageing and solidarity of generations.