Live Longer, Live Well
LJMU academics join international scientists to seek support for research that will make healthy ageing a medical reality
International scientists, including Liverpool John Moores University’s Dr Graeme Close and Professor Claire Stewart , met politicians and philanthropists at the House of Lords on 27 October to discuss how research into the biology of ageing can make healthy old age a reality for millions.
Representing the British Society for Research on Ageing (BSRA), Dr Close and Professor Stewart raised the profile of this research which is linked to LJMU’s Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES).
While leading scientists agree that ageing research has now reached the point that potential treatments for many of the problems of later life are becoming available, current national policies have largely failed to recognise the importance of ageing research in preventing disease and increasing ‘health span’.
Dr Close is a Sports Nutrition Consultant, Reader and Research Scientist who has conducted extensive research into age-related loss of muscle mass and function and ageing athletes. His research will bring in the sports science element of making healthy ageing a medical reality.
He commented on the sports science input: “It is important to bring academic research to the forefront of national policy and make it open to public engagement. Research taking place at universities has a massive impact on how we live and my role was to talk specifically about the crucial part that exercise and nutrient can play in delaying are-related muscle frailty.
“At the moment, I believe that exercise and nutrition are our best weapon although the precise prescription of this for our ageing population still requires significant investigation. If we can maintain muscle function as we age we help to maintain independence allowing us to continue to enjoy everyday tasks. We also reduce the chance of falls and hip fracture, two major problems that we now must face as an ageing society.”
Professor Stewart is a Stem Cell Biologist who has conducted extensive research into the mechanisms underpinning loss of muscle mass and function with age and disease. Her research, focuses from the cell and molecular to human studies aims to increase health span, by reducing the negative impact of muscle loss on functional ability and ultimately on quality of life.
She commented: "In an era where populations are ageing, we need to ensure that we are ageing well. A better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning muscle loss and therefore declining functional capacity will enable targeted interventions, including exercise and nutrition, to prolong a healthy older life. The goal of he BSRA, to raise funds to underpin research on ageing, will facilitate cross disciplinary, interventional studies by some of the brightest young researchers of our time - a key requirement in promoting lifelong health and wellbeing."
At the event, the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research granted an award to the BSRA (worth $60,000), the first time in their history that an award had been given to an organisation, rather than an individual.
On making the first donation, Mark R. Collins President of the Glenn Foundation said:
“It is a privilege to support the British Society for Research on Ageing in its efforts to extend the healthy years of life. We are confident that British donors will join us in supporting this important initiative.”
Professor Richard Faragher, of the BSRA said: “Good health is key to a happy old age. The science of ageing has reached a point at which small amounts of carefully targeted funding will yield great social returns. The time to act is now.”
Notes to the editor:
Dr Graeme Close can be contacted for interviews on: 07976 905 777 or via G.L.Close@ljmu.ac.uk
Professor Claire Stewart on 0151 904 6244 or C.E.Stewart@ljmu.ac.uk
About the BSRA: The British Society for Research on Ageing (BSRA) promotes research which aims primarily at achieving healthy old age accompanied by improved longevity. It publishes a journal called Biogerontology. Website: http://www.bsra.org.uk/
About the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research: The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research was founded in 1965 by Paul F. Glenn to extend the healthy productive years of life through research on the mechanisms of biological ageing. Website: http://glennfoundation.org/
About the American Federation for Ageing Research (AFAR): AFAR has supported the science of healthier ageing since its foundation in 1981. AFAR has played a major role in advancing knowledge of ageing and mechanisms of age-related disease by providing grants to more than 2,800 talented scientists. Website: http://www.afar.org/
Presentations from the event can be found at www.bsra.org.uk.
Twitter: @B_S_R_A #livelongerlivewell
