Research for an ageing society.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Social Sciences

Background:

• The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) established the Growing Older Programme to address critical issues related to aging.
• Quality of life in later life is a complex, multidimensional construct influenced by various factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the research agenda of the Growing Older Programme.
• To foster high-quality research on factors influencing and extending quality of life in old age.
• To inform policy and practice through research findings.

Main Methods:

• The Programme is structured around six key sub-themes: defining and measuring quality of life, inequalities in quality of life, technology and the built environment, healthy and productive ageing, family and support networks, and participation and activity in later life.
• Introduction of the UK National Collaboration in Ageing Research to unify and elevate research efforts.

Main Results:

• The Programme aims to generate robust research on the determinants of quality of life in older age.
• It seeks to identify strategies for enhancing and prolonging quality of life.
• The initiative promotes a multidisciplinary approach to ageing research.

Conclusions:

• The Growing Older Programme and the UK National Collaboration in Ageing Research are pivotal in advancing the understanding and improvement of ageing.
• These initiatives are designed to translate research into actionable policy and practice for better quality of life in later years.