UK vital ageing research

Researchers at the University of Reading are setting up a clinical database of healthy older people willing to take part in a wide range of important research projects which could help shape the future of healthcare for senior citizens.

Ageing research at the University has recently been given a significant boost by a series of appointments. Professor Margot Gosney and Dr David Oliver both came to Reading as part of a joint appointment with the Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospital NHS, while Professor Christina Victor joined the University as Professor of Social Gerontology and Health Services Research. Together they are setting up the database of healthy older volunteers.

Such databases have previously been used by these researchers in projects that have contributed greatly to our increasing understanding of the effects of ageing.

"In previous projects, healthy older volunteers have been of vital importance in our research," says Professor Margot Gosney. "We have been able to study the role of exercise in improving muscle function, particularly the heart. We have also looked at the role of antioxidants in improving immunity in older people.

"We are setting up a similar database in Reading and would welcome enquiries from anybody over the age of 65 years, who considers themselves healthy. All subjects on the database will be approached for each and every project that involves a controlled group of healthy older people. Each project will obviously have been closely scrutinised by the relevant Research and Ethics committees and anyone can enter any of the studies that they feel they are particularly interested in.

"It is an opportunity to get together with some other fit older people who also feel that research matters, to keep up-to-date with current clinical research in the Reading area and to be involved in research that may help shape the healthcare of older people in the future."

Anyone interested in further details or being involved in the healthy older persons database should contact Professor Margot Gosney on 01189 636 720 or email [email protected]