Brussels, 18/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 13 March in Strasbourg, MEPs adopted the proposal on European Community participation in a research and development programme to improve the quality of life for senior citizens through new Communication and Information Technology (CIT), which has been launched by several member states. The vote in favour of the report by Neena Gill (PES, United Kingdom) by 431 votes for, 10 against, with 8 abstentions, is the result of an informal agreement in a first reading with the Council. Following adoption of the report, Françoise Grossetête (EPP-ED, France) stated in a press release that, “CIT can help older people to live better, independent lives and remain in good health longer”. The MEP pointed out that in this context, the ageing population was a challenge to society and the European economy. Average life expectancy is now 80 years old and the number of people aged between 65 and 80 will increase by around 40% between 2010 and 2030. Ms Grossetête said that among the novel services carried out at home was the GSM/GPS telephone-bracelet, which helps locate Alzheimer suffers who are lost or disorientated. Programme projects will be co-funded by the European Union up to the tune of €150 million for 2008-13, as well as by member states providing a minimum of €150 million. Countries participating in the programme are also expected to contribute to the funding by allocating the equivalent or higher levels of funding. This means each country will allocate at least 20% of national research funds to this theme. (B.C.)