The challenges and contributions of our ageing society

02 December 2019

The challenges and contributions of our ageing society

This year's annual David Hobman Lecture heard about the important part older people play in our society but also the challenges many face.

Professor Andrew Steptoe (Head of the Department of Behavioural Science and Health at University College London and Director of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), Professor Anthea Tinker, Professor Karen Glaser (Head of the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine), and Professor Mauricio Avendano (Director of King’s Institute of Gerontology).

Older people make important contributions to the way we live but face many challenges, including ageism and inequalities, delegates were told at the recent David Hobman Lecture.

Professor Andrew Steptoe, Director of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), discussed how contributions from older people include acting as our government leaders and volunteering their time to those in need.

However, our ageing population presents challenges, such as providing sufficient health and social care, as well as ensuring adequate incomes, safety, digital inclusion and the promotion of independent living.

Professor Steptoe, who is also Professor of Psychology and Epidemiology and Head of the Department of Behavioural Science and Health at University College London, explained how population cohort research can help us to understand these challenges and explore how they are affecting our ageing population.

Sir Brian Pomeroy (Chairman of Age UK), Professor Andrew Steptoe (Head of the Department of Behavioural Science and Health at University College London and Director of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)), Steph Harland (Chief Executive of Age UK), and Professor Mauricio Avendano (Director of King’s Institute of Gerontology).

The lecture, which took place this year on 14 November, was organised by the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, the Institute of Gerontology and Age UK. Located in King's Great Hall, it was attended by a packed audience and was followed by a lively question and answer session.

The annual lecture was set up in 1986 in memory of David Hobman CBE, who was the first director of Age Concern England and Chairman of the Age Concern Institute of Gerontology at King's College London, set up in 1986.