Only 10 per cent of Europe’s older people use the Internet
The aim is to enable older Europeans to stay active for longer and live independently. The hope is that at the same time as improving quality of life and social participation for the programme will generate new business opportunities and more efficient and personalised health and social services.
Every cloud has a silver lining
“Europe’s ageing population is a challenge for our job market and its social and health systems. But it is also an economic and social opportunity. ICT will provide new and more accessible products and services that meet the needs of older people,” said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for the Information Society and Media.
By 2020, 25 per cent of the EU's population will be over 65. While this means spending on pensions, health and long-term care is expected to increase by 4 to 8 per cent, older Europeans are also important consumers, with a combined wealth of over €3,000 billion.
According to the EU, most older people do not yet enjoy the benefits of the digital age, since only 10 per cent use the Internet. Vision, hearing or dexterity problems are among the reasons for this low take-up.
The action plan will raise awareness and build consensus via stakeholder cooperation in 2007 and the establishment of a best practice Internet portal. There will be a series of pilot projects to accelerate take-up, and a European award scheme for smart homes and independent living applications.
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