The impact of an ageing population on public service provision, economic development policy and the world of work will be the focus of a debate in Inverness later this month.

The 2001 Census revealed that for the first time people aged 60 and over (21%) formed a larger part of the population than children under 16 years of age. Projections suggest that in a little over two decades nearly one third of Europe's population will be in the over-60 age group.

Speaking at the event at the Green House on Tuesday 25th November will be Professor Joe Coughlin, founding director of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's AgeLab.

Prof Couglin and his team believe that one of the biggest challenges facing business and government is to understand how technology can help to extend quality of life and provide services and products that can help older people maintain their vitality and remain productive.

The event, which starts at 5.30pm is being organised by Fusion, the Highlands and Islands' innovation organisation, in conjunction with Business Lab and Medical Devices in Scotland and is being sponsored by Inverness and Nairn Enterprise and Inverness Medical Limited.

Fusion's chief executive, Bruce Morrison, said: "Recent projections show that by 2025 almost one third of the population of the EU will be over the age of 60. The impact of this on public service provision, economic development and employment is an issue that Scotland, the UK and the rest of Europe cannot afford to ignore.

"Only by considering how an elderly population might be more meaningfully engaged as part of the economy, community and culture of Scotland can we begin to formulate solutions to this economic and social challenge. We are delighted that one of the leading researchers in this field is coming to Inverness to stimulate this debate."

Anyone interested in attending the event can register online at www.fusionlinking.co.uk/EventsBook.html.