University of Surrey’s New Centre of Excellence on Ageing Embarks on Action Against Ageism

Published on: 29 Apr, 2023
Updated on: 3 May, 2023

Combatting ageism and promoting the interests of older people through scientific research is crucial, particularly as a response to the discriminatory treatment they faced during the pandemic.

So says the director of the University of Surrey’s new Centre of Excellence on Ageing, formally opened on April 26.

Library image.

The new centre is in partnership with the Global Initiative on Ageing (GIA), which operates under the auspices of the United Nations. The launch brought together notable scholars and stakeholders focused on ageing. This was followed by a one-day showcase of Surrey’s work in areas such as ageing and work, artificial intelligence and ageing, sleep patterns, nutrition, and generational shifts in ageing.

It is estimated that more than 1.1 billion people worldwide are over 65 years of age and by 2050, this will rise to more than 2.1 billion.

Professor Paul A. Townsend, the inaugural director of the Centre of Excellence on Ageing.

Professor Paul A. Townsend, the new director of the Centre of Excellence on Ageing and Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey, said: “The new centre is a critical part of a global movement that recognises the need for a better understanding of the life course and ageing.

“We will focus on processes ranging from preconception through to appreciating the treatment of our elderly population.

“The pandemic disproportionately affected our seniors, leaving them to face discrimination and a lack of sympathy, with many left in care homes unable to see their families. This new centre is dedicated to helping older people to benefit from the latest research and greatest advances in science today.”

Professor Max Lu.

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said: “The Surrey community is deeply passionate about improving the standard of wellbeing for our elderly population, evidenced in our internationally-recognised research activities in areas such as improving the quality of sleep of individuals living with dementia, improving inclusion of the elderly population in the tourism and hospitality sector, and investigating the mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis and finding ways to treat it.

“The new centre will serve to amplify these efforts, allowing us to understand more and provide genuine solutions that help to enrich the lives of our elderly relatives, friends, and fellow citizens while safeguarding their rights.”