Brussels, 25/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - Helping older people to stay healthier and to live independently for longer is the aim of a new research programme on "Ambient Assisted Living" (AAL), in a co-decision report unanimously approved by the Industry Committee on 24 January. It will develop new information and communication technology (ICT), to enable more elderly people to access public services more easily, but these services must nonetheless respect their privacy and dignity, say MEPs.
According to European Commission estimates the number of people aged 65 and older will rise by nearly 40% between 2010 and 2030. But “innovative solutions are emerging to help counteract problems related to memory, vision, hearing, mobility, loss of independence which are more prevalent with age”, noted Neena Gill (PES, UK), adding that since “ageing is a global phenomenon, a strong base of ICT-enabled solutions in Europe could be the start of export opportunities worldwide”. The AAL programme will aim to develop cost-effective solutions that facilitate equitable and simplified access to new products services across Europe, especially for older people in rural and peripheral areas, and also for the disabled, the amended text says.
The new technology, such as so-called "smart homes", must be adapted to the needs of older people but, at the same time, services must respect their privacy and dignity. In order to support (near) market-ready products and services, every project should be co-financed by the private sector, and especially by small and medium-sized enterprises. MEPs also propose that AAL funding be used inter alia for conversion projects that transform former military or industrial installations into housing projects adapted to older people.
The AAL programme will be co-financed by the Seventh Research Framework Programme to the tune of €150 million for 2008-2013. To ensure success, participating countries should jointly contribute at least the same or possibly a higher amount, says the text. Each participating country is expected to allocate at least 20% of its national research funding to AAL-related activities. The amended proposal also emphasises that overlaps with existing national and other Community programmes should be avoided. The report will be adopted at the March plenary session. (I.L.)