Newcastle University

Why Grey Matters

Influencing policy and changing attitudes to older people is an important area of our work into ageing. We were involved with:

• BBC Reith Lectures
• advising the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee
• the UK Foresight Report on 'Mental Capital Through Life'

The University has hosted the Regional Forum on Ageing since its creation in 2005, and provides a voice on issues of concern to older people – influencing government thinking.

We capture the views and experience of older people and this is used to shape services to better suit their needs through two flagship projects:

• Newcastle 85+ study
• VOICE North – Valuing Our Intellectual Capital and Experience

Evidence to improve health and social services

Our research provides the evidence to support improvements. It offers medical understanding and guidance to the pensions and insurance industry.

Major changes will be needed in the way health and social care services are provided and in how resources are spent.

The Newcastle Initiative on Changing Age is focused on the challenges of ageing and demographic change. It also covers the need to value more seriously the experience and knowledge of older people and engage with them to a much greater degree. Read more in the Newcastle Charter for Changing Age.

Read more about our ageing story.

Interviews with our experts:

Lynne Corner, Director of Engagement, Newcastle Initiative on Changing Age

“It’s all about how we value the contribution and the capability of older people, and understand their needs and aspirations."

Jim Edwardson, Retired Professor of Neuroendocrinology

“The first thing is to have ideas and innovation.....scientists working together and with the public."

Carol Jagger, AXA Professor of Epidemiology of Ageing

"The emphasis at Newcastle University is on the causes of ageing and age related disease, and interventions to improve the healthy old age experienced by people."