Ageing and longevity in UK need more funding and research, peers are told

Ageing and life expectancy are vital issues that need more attention and investment for research, experts have told peers on the House of Lords science and technology committee.

Witnesses from research councils, drug companies, clinicians, and investors highlighted the importance of research into this area in an evidence session on 10 March for the committee’s inquiry into ageing, science, technology, and healthy living.

The committee asked the witnesses whether the UK was investing enough in research on the processes of ageing, particularly healthy ageing, as well as new drugs that could prevent older people from getting diseases.

Fiona Watt, executive chair of the Medical Research Council, giving evidence, said, “The proportion of …