Brussels, 02/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - The number of Europeans of above 65 years of age is set to increase by 45% between 2008 and 2030, and this age group will represent more than 30% of the population by 2060. This is a major challenge, which the European Union must tackle head on, to ensure that elderly people have an active end of life, with adequate healthcare provision. A high-level steering committee held a meeting in Brussels on Monday 2 May, under Commissioners Neelie Kroes and John Dalli, to discuss these challenges and the resources to be mobilised to improve the health and quality-of-life of the elderly, increase the sustainability of healthcare systems and create new growth opportunities for this market in Europe. This is the first high-level meeting on the subject attended by representatives of the member states, the regions, the world of industry, healthcare and social professionals, representatives of associations for the elderly and other interest groups. “The digital technologies have a lot to offer to give elderly people and their family a better life (…). We must play an active role to make innovation a success in ageing well”, said Commissioner for the Digital Strategy Neelie Kroes. “Active and healthy ageing is the priority subject of the European innovation partnership. I hope this sends out a strong political signal”, said Health Commissioner John Dalli. (I.L./transl.fl)