EU Commissioners address healthy ageing summit

Two European commissioners are highlighting the importance of tackling the issue of ageing at a major conference in Brussels.

Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Günther H Oettinger, and Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, are addressing the two-day European summit on Innovation for Active and Healthy Ageing in Brussels. The Commission estimates that one in three Europeans will be over 65 by 2060, and therefore Europe’s ageing population is an important challenge, but it also provides opportunities.

Commenting before the start of the event, Oettinger said: “Ageing will impact many sectors of our economy, which could all profit from technological innovation that meets the needs of an ageing population.”

Moedas will address delegates on the important contribution that Horizon 2020 will make, and highlight how the European research and innovation framework programme invests in innovative projects helping elderly people live healthier and longer.

The event includes the participation of the Ambient Assisted Living Joint Programme, AGE Platform Europe, ECH Alliance and Knowledge 4 Innovation.