APPENDIX 3: CALL FOR EVIDENCE
The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and
Technology has appointed a Sub-Committee, chaired by Lord Sutherland
of Houndwood, to inquire into the scientific aspects of ageing.
Average life expectancy in the UK is 77 years, and
is still increasing. However, the healthy life expectancy
in the UK stands at only 68 years, and the 2001 Census showed
that half of the population aged over the statutory retirement
age of 65 had a long-term illness or disability.
We therefore invite written evidence on how science
and technology can help improve people's prospects of healthy
and active life expectancy, and whether Government policy is in
place to achieve this. In particular, we would welcome comments
on:
The biological processes of ageing, including
- What are promising avenues for research? How
will such research benefit older people and delay the onset of
long-term illnesses and disabilities?
- Differences between the sexes, and between different
social and ethnic groups in the UK.
The application of research in technology and design
to improve the quality of life of older people, including
- Existing technologies which could be used to
a greater extent to benefit older people;
- The development of new technologies.
In both of these areas
- How effectively is research co-ordinated in the
public, private and charitable sectors (including internationally)?
- Have the correct priorities been identified?
Are there any gaps in research?
- Is there sufficient research capability in the
UK?
- Is the research being used to inform policy?
Please note that the inquiry will not be considering
health care for older people, or the economic aspects of the increase
in the expectation of life, such as the future funding of pensions.
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