10 May 2010
University experts produce ageing research road map
A definitive road map, designed to guide European research on ageing and health for the next decade and beyond, is set to be produced with help from experts at the University of Sheffield.
FUTURAGE – A Road Map for Ageing Research, is a €1.7 million research project aimed at identifying the main priorities for research on ageing with the aim of creating a better old age for Europe´s ageing population.
Funded by the European Commission as part of Framework Programme 7, and coordinated by the University of Sheffield, the Road Map will cover a range of scientific disciplines to understand the ageing process, improve quality of life and increase healthy life expectancy. Recognising that a healthy old age is related to physical and mental quality of life, the Road Map will bring together all of the key disciplines that can generate the new knowledge necessary to ensure not only the prevention of chronic diseases and loss of function in the body, but also the promotion of health and well-being in later life.
Europe is already the oldest region in the world and, over the next 50 years, will experience a continuing rise in life expectancy. Although the reasons for this longevity revolution are well known, as are its widespread consequences for all levels of society, Europe still lacks a coordinated and consistent approach to research on this topic. It is hoped FUTURAGE will help resolve this.
The work has begun with a series of national consultations in 11 countries from the European Research Area in Ageing, and is being followed by a set of workshops examining key scientific and research user priorities. The first presentation of the preliminary Road Map findings will take place tomorrow (Tuesday 11 May 2010) in Brussels, at a workshop targeted at national and regional research policy makers from European government ministries and research councils. The STOA (Scientific Technology Options Assessment) Committee of the European Parliament is sponsoring the event, which from 13.30 BST will be streamed live on the internet from 14.30 to 16.30 (Central European
Time, GMT +2hours) and can be viewed at the link below.
The Road Map will address key research priorities such as: the relationship between income and health status; support for working family carers; quality of care in residential settings; neglect and elder abuse; development of social services and health care to support rehabilitation; planning for accessible housing and public transportation; health promotion and early intervention strategies; and development of age-specific medical and pharmaceutical products.
The research priorities outlined in the Road Map will be based on the widest possible consensus between key stakeholders ranging from policy makers to product producers, retailers and older people. The involvement of older people and supporting organisations such as Age UK (formerly Help the Aged) is an essential part of the Road Map, to ensure that communities and societies drive the ageing research agenda.
Professor Alan Walker, Professor of Social Policy and Social Gerontology and Director of FUTURAGE, said: "FUTURAGE is a unique opportunity to develop a Road Map for ageing research to meet the needs of society, and will generate practical outcomes to change the lives of older people across Europe."
Notes for Editors: The first meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 May 2010 at the Renaissance Brussels Hotel, Rue du Parnasse 19, Brussels 1050 from 8.30am until 6.30pm. The morning session will provide an opportunity for a review of FUTURAGE research priorities. The afternoon session is hosted by the STOA Committee and to address the importance of ageing research for public policy in Europe. Attendance is by invitation only. Please contact Melissa Nance m.nance@sheffield.ac.uk at the University of Sheffield, Sociological Studies, Elmfield Building, Northumberland Road,Sheffield S10 2TU, UK, tel: +44 114 222 6458.
For more information on FUTURAGE, visit the link below.
To view the webcast of the event, visit the link below.
For further information please contact: Shemina Davis, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2225339 or email shemina.davis@sheffield.ac.uk
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