The information and communication technologies (ICT) for an ageing population, Brussel - Montesquieu Instituut

Public Hearing - Brussels, Belgium

"As regards housing, health, participation in society and education, as well as access to e-government, the use of new technologies is increasingly becoming the key to living an independent, active life in old age. The same is true of services of general interest aimed at older people themselves and of related economic development.” - EESC opinion from 2008

The group in charge of coordinating the EESC activities during the European Year 2012 could not do without examining the contribution of ICT (telemedicine, telework, e-government, etc.) to a more energetic, sustainable and diversified ageing society.

The first step to achieve this is to ensure available, accessible and adapted ICT. It is about systems of ambient assisted living, of online learning, health and care technologies, etc. - all services that need to be developed, which requires a costly investment, but one that opens business and jobs opportunities. Since technologies have only a helping function and should not replace people, the group will also examine the relationship between ICT and its users.

In the perspective of the European Year of Active Ageing, the fifth hearing of the coordinating group aims at gathering the views of researchers, experts, social partners and NGOs on the following three pillars:

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  ICT and keeping an activity,
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  ICT and autonomy,
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  ICT and services to the person.

9:00 - 13:00 , European Economic and Social Committee

Jacques Delors building, Rue Belliard 99 - 1040 Bruxelles, Room JDE 62 - 6th floor