Making the Case for the Social Sciences
New report demonstrates ageing research has significant role to play in policy making
Click here to download the pdf report.
With pensions, dementia and care for the elderly all headline news, praise for a new report 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.
The report, Making the Case for the Social Sciences No.2 Ageing, published by the Academy of Social Sciences, is the second in a 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.
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, and on the best method of providing extra care housing by Professor Anthea Tinker of King’s College, London, 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 Pen
sions and the Ageing Society, addressed the need to tackle ageism, the need for a greater empowerment of older 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.
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 formidable, 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.
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For further details of the launch of the first in the new Academy series of booklets on the topic of Wellbeing, click here. To view a video of the launch presentations and panel discussion, visit: http://vimeo.com/9377129. To download the Wellbeing report as a pdf click here. To read the report in THE click here.
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