According to analysis based on household survey data, elderly households tend to allocate a greater proportion of their consumption to medical and nursing services, tourism, social expenses, and foods than younger households. Meanwhile, elderly households spend less on education and transportation/communication (including passenger cars) than younger households.
At present, approximately 50 states use the euro as their nominal anchor currency. The euro also serves as a catalyst for economic reform. Among other things, the adoption of a single currency means that Member States participating in the euro area no longer have their own national currencies which they can devalue to protect inefficient industries in times of need.