Newcastle University has been blazing a trail worldwide with its research into ageing for decades. But now it is hosting an international conference to show businesses how they can get in on the act as well. John Hill reports.

INTRIGUING results of research into ageing, health and disability have been emerging from Newcastle for at least 40 years.

With the arrival of a major international conference early next month, the region will get a change to welcome other leading figures in this area, and show the world what it has learned over the last few decades.

The Sage Gateshead is set to host the first International Conference on Ageing, Disability and Independence to take place outside of Florida from September 8 to 10. The ICADI conference will feature discussions on ways to help people maintain independence as they get older. The conference normally takes place every two years in the USA.

Among the leading speakers for the event is Newcastle University’s own Professor Tom Kirkwood, who heads the Institute for Ageing and Health.

Retirement age has been a big topic of conversation around the country following the new government’s decision to phase out the default retirement age of 65 by 2011, but Kirkwood rejects the doom that often surrounds reports about the country’s ageing population, pointing out that significant opportunities exist for businesses to make money by catering to a booming market.

He says: “UK life expectancy is increasing by five hours for each day that passes. We have to accept the many challenges that come with ageing. It’s one of the great hopes that we can possibly escape the aftermath of the recession by realising that it’s not necessarily a millstone around our neck, but a great opportunity. If we do nothing, it could become a problem, but I’m pretty confident that it will become one of the great growth areas in future.”

The over-50s currently own 80% of the UK’s wealth and are responsible for up to 40% of its consumer spend. With the over-85 age group expected to double by 2020, there are significant opportunities for businesses to solve problems and find a new market in the process.

Kirkwood says: “Although everyone knows people are living longer, industry is still quite slow at picking up on this. It’s not immune to the general confusion in the population towards older people. The elderly are great consumers whose very presence in a community generates a driver for economic growth. Should they suffer from frailty or loss of independence there’s a great impetus for businesses to step in and help.”

The key to attracting the conference was the Sage’s staging of the Age Action conference three years ago, which attracted honorary ICADI conference chair Bill Mann. It also hinges on the outstanding international reputation of Newcastle University, which has made several key strides in ageing research since 1970.

Kirkwood says: “It was the first centre on the world to put Alzheimer’s on the map in 1970, and we’ve moved on a long way in 40 years. We’re trying to understand what ageing does to the body and what we can learn from understanding the biology.

“We hear a lot about the North East having an opportunity to become a big player in green technology. In ageing, through the research being done at Newcastle University, we’re already right in front of the pack.”

This year’s event will feature speakers such as Microsoft’s Dr Gary Moulton, Northumbria University’s Professor Stephen Kyffin and leading Australian engineer Professor Greg Tegart. In bringing the event to the North East this time around, support was provided by the Convention Bureau’s Conference Ambassador Programme, which helps academics and businesses develop bids and stage conferences in the region.

Gill Pilkington, Newcastle Gateshead Convention Bureau's conference development manager, says: “We have an enviable conference product and portfolio, including great medical and science expertise, stunning iconic venues and a beautiful cityscape. Working with committed conference ambassadors, such as Professor Gore, is integral to us attracting these prestigious meetings.”

Conference ambassador Professor Peter Gore, from the Institute for Ageing and Health, believes the decision to hold the conference here “underlines the medical expertise that resides here”.