On Thursday September 22nd, ALDE MEPs Niccolò Rinaldi (IdV, Italy) and Antonyia Parvanova (NMSP, Bulgaria) organised a seminar in the European Parliament to evaluate the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) for improving the quality of life and healthy ageing of the population.
ICT present an enormous potential to improve the quality of life by applying user-friendly tools and may also contribute to wider socio-economic competitiveness.   
Recent studies and experiences presented by panellists underscored the strong link between quality of life and ICT technologies in practical examples such as:
• health ("e-Health" system maintaining a physical and mental health, prevention and early diagnosis), 
• citizens life-long education ("e-learning" system opening on-line access to information and programmes, school facilities),
• security and social welfare (maintaining human dignity, intergenerational fairness),
• freedom movement of persons (independent mobility, socially developed transport and traffic control systems),
• open-society communication (people leading people, culture lifestyle, respect for the environment, participation of citizens)

Niccolò Rinaldi remarked: "ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is an important element in improving the quality of life, especially for older people through tools such as social networking, Skype, Internet, email etc. which help keep people socially active and creative." 
"We have to strengthen the dialogue with the academic world. We are keen on technologies but where will Europe be in 30 years ? We don't have enough energy, raw materials or labour. We have to focus on research and innovation. Our society is a comparatively old one compared to the emerging economies but I remain optimistic and the potential market is huge. We need ideas, strategic missions and financial resources. Political willingness and awareness of public opinion very important elements."

Antonyia Parvanova, underlined: "Our national social and healthcare systems are already under pressure due to the current economic situation, and they will face an even greater challenge with the ageing of the European population. Europe will be confronted with increasing needs, but limited financial or organisational resources, while having to guarantee quality of life and well being for its citizens. ICT innovation, notably in the field of healthcare with a concrete and practical development of eHealth, has be seen as a long term investment which could significantly contribute in meeting those challenges. "