Statement on ageing research

Commenting on ageing research carried out in the US, Professor James Goodwin, Head of Research at Age UK, commented:

'Later life should be an enjoyable time where people can see more of their friends and family, pursue existing and new hobbies and generally make the most of life. Unfortunately for many people, later life can be marred by ill health, with men and women expected to live over 7 and 9 years of their lives with a disability respectively.

'The research into Telomeres is an intriguing and immensely valuable breakthrough that will develop our understanding of ageing. Only by understanding the ageing process, and why some people age-well and others do not, can we hope to develop preventions, treatments and hopefully cures for illnesses that are associated with ageing. Ultimately the aim of ageing research isn't simply to try and extend the years in our life, but the life in our years, so that we can all live long and most importantly, healthy lives.'

- ENDS -

Ref. SK

Notes to Editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media contact: Andrew Walker
Tel: 020 8765 7512
Out of hours: 07071 243 243