Press Releases
Older People on the Move!
Release Date : 24 September 2007
Can new technologies make older drivers feel safer behind the wheel of a car? Do they help or hinder elderly drivers? This was one of the hugely important issues discussed at a special workshop aimed at improving the lives of the elderly at the University of Reading on Wednesday 19th September.
The workshop saw some of the country's most up-and-coming researchers showcase their innovative ideas, covering a wide range of areas including the influence of genetic make-up on ageing, the important role of muscles and tissues, changes in vision and better driving in older age.
The event was organised by the Strategic Promotion of Ageing Research Capacity (SPARC), a national initiative based at the University with the participation of Research into Ageing, the research wing of Help the Aged.
SPARC is a pioneering scheme which encourages young researchers to take an interest in the needs of older people and an ageing population. It is led by Professor Peter Lansley, of the School of Construction Management and Engineering and coordinated by Verity Smith at the University of Reading, and Dr Richard Faragher, from the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Brighton.
The workshop attracted participants from a wide range of backgrounds - public sector policy makers, health, housing and social care practitioners, and representatives from national charities but especially older people from Reading and the Thames Valley. Interest was so strong that all available places were taken.
Professor Lansley said: "I am delighted at how the workshop was received. An excellent cross-section of local people attended the event and the quality of speakers made the day hugely interesting and entertaining.
"It provided an ideal opportunity for dialogue and for all of us to learn more about the issues faced by those who live and work in the long term care sector."
Dr Lorna Layward, an advisor to SPARC and Research Manager of the Help the Aged biomedical Research into Ageing programme, said: "This workshop provided a wonderful opportunity for those who are experiencing ageing first hand to network with the academic community who are dedicated to finding new solutions to the challenges of old age."
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Notes for editors
1. SPARC (Strategic Promotion of Ageing Research Capacity) is a new initiative funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). A key activity is working in partnership with the users of research - intermediaries of all types in business, health and social services, charitable and other organisations as well as directly with older people and their carers.
In addition to organising workshops SPARC has provided 34 pump-priming awards to newcomers to ageing research in the fields of design, engineering and biology. For more information, see http://www.sparc.ac.uk
2. Help the Aged is an international charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect. It campaigns for change in government policy, undertakes research into the needs of older people and provides local services in communities across the UK and overseas. Through its Biomedical Research into Ageing programme it is committed to supporting and promoting the highest quality research to improve the health and quality of life of older people. For more information, see http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/research
Contact:
James Barr, Press Officer, University of Reading
T: 0118 378 7115, E: j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk
Professor Peter Lansley, Director of SPARC, University of Reading
T: 0118 378 8202, E: p.r.lansley@rdg.ac.uk