Ageing is an opportunity not a burden, so agreed a discussion panel I chaired last week. One further thing was clear. Leadership is required to ensure that ageing is addressed not ignored.Newcastle University leads the way on solutions to crack these problem but an all star cast this time last week tried to address the problems and come up with solutions.
I was lucky enough to attend a ground breaking event in Manchester with Professor Tom Kirkwood, Associate Dean of Ageing at the University, David Willetts MP, Dr Lynne Corner [director of the institute of ageing], and Norma Cohen, the Demography correspondent for the FT.
I was there as a moderator and panel chair and also as an enthusiast eager to understand a problem that will affect Northumberland more than most.
Many things were made clear. It is obvious from the research of Newcastle University, who looked at 1000 people, that life expectancy in the past can be determined by a lifestyle derived from a location and background. How we address that health disparity is the key and Newcastle Uni are leading the way on radical approaches that go much further than exercise and a change in eating.
Aside from Professor Kirkwood's work you could do a lot worse than read The Pinch, the book by David Willetts, MP, which is subtitled - "how the baby boomers took their children's future - and why they should now give it back".
Much was raised in the debate but a few key points stood out for me:
- Britain is clearly not ready for the demographic change that is happening all around it.
- the concept of retirement at 60 or 65 is completely outdated given our massively improved life expectancy.
- Healthcare improvements and policy changes have addressed the issues of maternity, diagnosis, treatment, improved public health and reduced industrial based disease but our abilities to embrace and enhance the lives of our elderly population are still lagging.
- Movement sensors are on their way to monitor elderly patients and pre-empt a potential fall.
- Housing and the ability to downsize is a major issue. The interesting point was made that the social housing needs to be in the centre of the town near all the major social units that are needed.
- Data transmission and telemedicine are improving as are robotic supports but all have a catch up to deal with both demand and acceptance by the elderly.
The Livewell Programme of the University is designed to address these problems and develop interventions that are feasible, effective and cost effective.
It was a fascinating hour long discussion. I hope that we, in Northumberland, will be able to embrace the findings
