Age is an associated risk of many diseases. Acute illnesses are usually treatable but require immediate attention, while chronic conditions persist throughout life. In Scotland, ageing-related diseases such as dementia, heart disease and cancer affect everyone, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access and a rapidly ageing population. To improve healthcare outcomes, a comprehensive understanding of ageing biology through basic, clinical, and translational research is crucial. This knowledge can empower the NHS to promote longer, healthier and more independent lives. Combining this with precision medicine, which tailors prevention and treatment based on genetic differences, offers potential for preventative healthcare instead of the current more reactive care when a disease is already in progress. If you would like to know more about the biology of ageing and current research then I would recommend the book 'Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old' by Dr Andrew Steele. Another good and free resource is the website of Dr João Pedro de Magalhães: https://www.senescence.info/. While the info is up-to-date, the website is a bit dated and the text more difficult to read than the book. By advancing research and disseminating knowledge, Scotland with its strong life sciences and biotechnology sector can pave the way for a healthier future for all its citizens.
This content is created by the open source Your Priorities citizen engagement platform designed by the non profit Citizens Foundation