The number of people aged over 75 in the UK today is one in 12. By 2040, this will rise to one in 7. We are living longer and a third of children born now are expected to live to 100.

The Grand Challenges of the Industrial Strategy are focused on global trends that will positively transform the UK’s future. This includes Healthy Ageing and harnessing the power of innovation to help meet the needs of an ageing society.

The University’s new Healthy Ageing Network series is bringing together representatives from academia, local government and industry, to help address the challenges of this demographic trend within the health sector.

The first event of this new series, entitled Health and Wellbeing in Later Life, recently took place at the University. It included presentations, workshops and opportunities to network, with an exhibition area where companies and academics could present their work.

Professor Veronica Hope Hailey, Vice-President (Strategic External Engagement), opened the network event. She stated:

Whilst the UK’s projected ageing population presents challenges to our health services, it is also an opportunity for external organisations and researchers to work together, helping people stay active and productive as they age. Our Healthy Ageing Network series facilitates much needed collaborations to improve the quality of life for those living longer in an ageing society.

The government’s Industrial Strategy sets out how Higher Education Institutions and businesses can together create a more prosperous country.

Helen Jones, Head of Research Grant Development, Industrial Strategy in Research and Innovation Services (RIS) said:

Our new Healthy Ageing Network series, supported by Corporate Engagement and Research and Innovation Services (RIS), will help meet the government’s challenge of ensuring that people can enjoy at least 5 extra healthy, independent years of life by 2035. We look forward to developing new collaborations with external partners to help solve the global challenge of healthy ageing.

For further information on collaborating with the University on health and wellbeing in later life contact Jason Edwards, Industrial Partnerships Manager.