Ageing and Health
Institute for Ageing and Health
Increased life expectancy is one of the most notable human consequences of advances in health and wealth of the last century. We are living longer, and our enduring quality of life depends on healthy ageing. While we all aspire to a long and healthy old age, we know that older people are at increased risk of disease and disability that can seriously impair their quality of life and that of their families.
Newcastle University has been at the leading edge of research into ageing over the last four decades. Today, Newcastle is recognized as the leading centre for ageing research in Europe, and is one of the most important global contributors to the field.
Our three interdependent areas of activity are:
- Biology of Ageing
We aim to understand why and how tissues age, and why ageing tissues are more vulnerable to damage and disease. - Clinical Research
We are observing and documenting disorders of later life, while researching and testing clinical and other interventions to promote healthier ageing. - Social Consequences of an Ageing Population
We are directing multidisciplinary resources to improve our understanding of the impact that an ageing population will have on the way we all live. The results of our work are used in front-line service and care provision for the elderly today, and in planning public policy for the needs of tomorrow.
Our ageing research is mainly concentrated within Newcastle Biomedicine's Institute for Ageing and Health, led by Professor David Burn.
