"The EU social inclusion process, as it is manifested in ‘hard’ social policies and ‘soft’ examples of good practice can be regarded as an important contribution towards a better social inclusion of older people. Thereby, quantitative and qualitative, as well as national and regional or local elements are combined. Moreover, the Open Method of Co-ordination enables social actors other than the state – especially the voluntary sector – to participate in social policy making." (Quoted from paper)