The British Society for Immunology (BSI) has joined over 40 research organisations that fund research on healthy ageing in calling for increased inclusion of older people to participate in health research.
Many existing research studies and clinical trials employ age-related restrictions for participants. However, as this statement makes clear, many of these restrictions are arbitrary and could lead to research not being representative of the groups most likely to be affected by a disease or condition. The signatory organisations will now commit to actively supporting the inclusion of older adults in research, particularly in disease areas which disproportionately impact older people.
The population of the UK is getting older, and multiple age-related health conditions are becoming more common. By not considering these changing factors of the population, more health inequalities could emerge or widen. By including older people in research studies, healthy ageing can be supported and underpinned by the best possible science.
The BSI is actively involved in understanding how the immune system changes as we age, and manages the CARINA (CAtalyst Reducing ImmuNe Ageing) Network to support researchers studying ageing throughout the life course.
“The importance of the immune system in ageing cannot be overlooked. I'm pleased that the BSI is ensuring immunologists can play their part in ensuring that ageing research will be more representative and include those who will benefit the most. Signing this statement shows that the CARINA Network's reach and impact can continue under the management of the BSI,” said Professor Arne Akbar, Chair of the CARINA Network. “In its first three years, the CARINA Network has accomplished a lot: including provision of grants to Early Career Researchers, developing new industry collaborations, delivery of Patient and Participant Involvement training and submitting funding applications to further our understanding of immune ageing. I’m excited to see how the CARINA Network will continue to support research into healthy ageing under the BSI’s management and look forward to seeing how policymakers follow suit in this important area.”
The full statement can be accessed via the NIHR website here.