Left to right: Professor James Kirkland from the Mayo Clinic, US, Mark R Collins Glenn Foundation for Medical Research, and Professor Richard Faragher.
Professor Faragher, chair of the British Society for Research on Ageing, and scientists from the U.S.-based Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and the American Federation for Ageing Research, in a joint statement said: “As the global population ages, it is imperative that we invest in such research because this will give us the best possible chance of ensuring we grow old in good health.
“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’.
“Some of these interventions are in, or close to, the clinic and could rapidly improve health and free up enormous sums of public money. At a time when individual vision and initiative are crucially needed, there is no British charity facilitating philanthropic input into this area.
“Scientists from the UK and the USA are therefore taking the lead to ensure that the public knows about their research and can reap the benefits.
“The House of Lords audience was informed of recent discoveries and was shown how a better world for older people will be a better world for everyone.
“We are hopeful our efforts will bear fruit.”