Professor Julie Byles has been working with the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC-UK) on their “Prevention in an ageing world’ programme of work.

Professor Julie Byles, co-director of HMRI’s Public Health Program and Global Innovation Chair in Responsive Transitions in Health and has been working with the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC-UK) on their “Prevention in an ageing world” programme of work.

Rather than looking at ageing as a problem, Professor Byles believes we should view ageing as a success – and that we need to provide appropriate, accessible services when and where people need them.

Informed by her work with older people and over 24 year’s experience working on the Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, Professor Byles brings a positive perspective to ageing. “Most of the women in our study age very well. They are active, contribute to their families and enjoy life,” Professor Byles says. “I want to understand how we can help maintain that positive trajectory as we get older.”

Professor Byles’ blog “If healthy ageing is the end point, how do we get there?” is featured on the ILC-UK website following her presentation at the Prevention in an Ageing World 2019 G20 side event in Okayayama, Japan. Professor Byles highlighted the importance of promoting prevention across the life course and the role that policy makers and civil society play in delivering on this pledge.

Fellow speakers at this event included:

• Dr Yasuhiro Suzuki, Chief Medical and Global Health Officer, and Vice-Minister for Health, Japan
• The Rt Hon. Matt. Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, United Kingdom
• The Honorable Eric D. Hargan, US Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, Singapore
• David Sinclair, Director, International Longevity Centre UK.

The panel spoke about the need for action to prevent disease, and limit long-term illness and disability across the life course.