Making the Case for the Social Sciences 2 - Ageing
Launch event 20 July 2010
With pensions, dementia and care for the elderly all headline news, praise for the Academy's latest report in its 'Making the Case for the Social Sciences' series, showcasing research on ageing by social scientists was given by MPs, senior civil servants and researchers attending its launch at Portcullis House in London on Tuesday 20 July. [Click on the image to download the pdf of the report]. All Academicians should have received a copy of the report - if you have not done so, or would like additioanl copies, please contact Vicky McGuinness (administrator@acss.org.uk).
Making the Case for the Social Sciences No.2 Ageing, is the second in the Academy's series which aims to support the government’s agenda for evidence-based policy making, providing real world examples of where social science research has contributed to policy decisions.
(L-R)Hugh Pullinger of DWP, Baroness Sally Greengross and Dr Daniel Poulter MP discuss the issues raised by the report.
Speaking at the event Baroness Sally Greengross, Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission and a former 
Director of Age Concern, congratulated the Academy for its role in bringing together a broad collection of social research. The report contains some 14 case studies examining ageing research on pensions, long term care, family care, relationships and wellbeing. “Modelling is absolutely essential if we’re going to get policy right,” she added, referring to presentations on modelling future social care costs given by Dr Jose-Luis Fernandez of the LSE (abo
ve), and on the best method of providing extra care housing by Professor Anthea Tinker CBE AcSS of King’s College, London (right), whose works both feature in the report. Hugh Pullinger of the DWP supported the call for a proper evidence and analytical base for why an ageing population is an urgent issue.
The need to plan strategically for an ageing population and the value of access to research evidence in making policy decisions were key themes throughout the panel discussion. Angela Eagle MP, Shadow Spokesperson on Pensions and former Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society (below), addressed the need to tackle ageism, the need for a greater empowerment of olde
r people and
the importance of improving the training and working conditions of those caring for them. She also stressed the importance of representing older people in our culture and our politics. Michelle Mitchell of Age UK (above left) added her voice to this call.
Other studies praised by the panellists and attendees at the event were attitudes to ageism, dementia care mapping, and the importance of promoting wellbeing in an ageing population. Dr Daniel Poulter MP, Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich and an active NHS doctor, emphasised the need to enable older people to lead independent lives, noting the value of keeping older people contributing to society. Angela Eagle considered that it was important not to be sidetracked from making real improvements in the lives of older people by (still important) hunt for cures for conditions such as dementia.
Baroness Greengross drew attention to the role social science research would play in a forthcoming enquiry into human rights for older people. She also emphasised the critical role of social science research in the national plan for dementia, enabling early diagnosis through providing adequate training for people working with older people.
And while the challenges were no doubt fo
rmidable, Angela Eagle MP reminded the audience that the problem was nevertheless a good one to have: living longer shouldn’t be seen as a burden or a problem but should be valued, with a shift away from a youth-focussed culture. The report, published in association with the British Society for Gerontology and Age UK, will act as a key foundation document for those helping to improve the lives of older people.
More photos
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| Kelvin Hopkins MP | Lord Best in the audience |
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| Professor Cary Cooper CBE AcSS, Chair of the Academy, introduces the event | Professor Malcolm Johnson AcSS, chair of the report Advisory Group |
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| Hugh Pullinger of DWP | Professor Judith Phillips AcSS, past Chair, British Society of Gerontology |
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| Professor Dominic Abrams AcSS | Dot Gibson, Vice President, National Pensioners Convention |
