Ten commandments for the future of ageing research in the UK: a vision for action

Our society is experiencing unprecedented demographic change [1]. Improvements in health care and living conditions together with a decrease in fertility rates, have contributed to the ageing of the population and a severe demographic redistribution [1,2]. According to the national census of 2001, for the first time in the UK there are more people over age 60 years than under age 16 years [3]. However, a large proportion of people over age 60 suffer from chronic illnesses or disabilities [3,4]. In contrast to the UK, in some other countries (e.g. Japan) it has been found that extended lifespan does not necessarily translate into increased morbidity [3,4].Coping with the impacts of these demographic changes is one of the greatest challenges for the 21st century. However, ageing research in the UK is largely fragmented, underrepresented, poorly coordinated and lacks adequate funding support. In 2005, The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology undertook an inquiry, chaired by Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, to evaluate the scientific aspects and current situation of ageing research in the UK. Among other findings, the inquiry reported "the attempts at coordination so far made under the aegis of the research councils are woefully inadequate. The image we have is of a series of ill-thought-out initiatives which have long titles, short lives, vague terms of reference, little infrastructure, and no sense of purpose. A radical reorganisation is essential" [5]. This inadequacy identified by the enquiry and the current demographic changes were the primary incentives for convening a 'Spark Workshop' -a two-day meeting, in which researchers from different areas across industry, charities, government and academia, share knowledge, explore potential novel concepts, and assess possibilities for future activities. The aims of the workshop were (i) to evaluate the future of ageing research in the UK, and (ii) to formulate a vision for action.The workshop, held in Ma