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The European Parliament has given its approval to provide funding for research into using technology like the Internet to keep the elderly connected.

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(Photo Credit: Eurpean Parliment Online)

The European Parliament voted to spend 150 million euros ($234 million) from the European Union's budget over the next five years to fund a research program called ambient-assisted living.

As the baby-boom generation retires, the number of people who are 65 and older will increase to nearly 40 percent between 2010 and 2030 according to the European Commission.

"We need to make the Internet more accessible and make training available and allow elderly people to stay socially connected and to perform daily activities which can be facilitated, such as shopping, paying bills and making appointments," said parliament member Neena Gill of Britain.

The European Commission wants the research into information technology to bring about innovation in telemedicine, where people can receive a diagnosis using the Internet, video conferencing, satellite and wireless communications.

Each country that is participating is expected to set aside at least 20 percent of its national research budget for the program.