CPC researchers launch Healthy Ageing In Scotland (HAGIS) study

CPC members Professor David Bell and Dr Alasdair Rutherford have recently launched the University of Stirling-led Healthy Ageing In Scotland (HAGIS) study, the first in Scotland to follow individuals and households through time.

The project, a major study of the health, economic and social circumstances of people aged 50-plus, will enable future improvements to be made to their health and wellbeing.

"People in Scotland are now living longer and the size of our older population is increasing. But historically we have a relatively poor health record and high levels of income inequality exist." said Professor Bell.

"We want to build a picture of what life is like for our over-50s. By taking part in HAGIS, older people in Scotland can inform the design and implementation of policies and services affecting them. The study is part of Scotland's contribution to international ageing research and knowledge with the ultimate aim of promoting long, happy and healthy lives."

Following its findings next autumn, the aim is to expand the study from 1000 to 8000 people in 2018, charting changes in their health and social circumstances over the decades, reporting every two years.

HAGIS joins a worldwide network of ageing studies co-ordinated by the US National Institute on Aging (NIA) and will be compared with findings from across the UK and around the world.

Professor Jane Falkingham, CPC Director, commented: "I am delighted that through the Centre for Population Change grant we were able to support the HAGIS study through its concept phase. It is truly exciting to see such in-depth work on age and wellbeing extending to Scotland, further enriching the international network of studies on ageing."

Further information can be found on the HAGIS website.

Posted 14/09/2015 09:16