Ageing at UWE
In September this year, the British Society of Gerontology (BSG) held its 37th annual conference. The conference theme was Sustainable Futures in an Ageing World and the event was jointly organised by UWE and the University of Bristol. More than 150 papers were given over 48 hours, in 7 different themes. The range of issues discussed covered a wide spectrum of topics, reflecting the implications of demographic ageing and its consequences for a sustainable world. As well as attracting many of the leading gerontologists in UK universities, the 280 plus delegates included about 30 visitors from round the world. In addition, there were representatives from UK central and local government, the NHS and the voluntary sector.
"The developed world became rich before it became old, but the developing countries are becoming old before they have become rich", spoke Alex Kalache (former Head of the Ageing and Life Course Programme at the World Health Organisation) in his talk entitled Ageing Worldwide-Have We Noticed? Miriam Bernard (Professor of Social Gerontology, University of Keele and President-elect of the BSG) also provided much food for thought in her trenchant analysis of the history and growing importance of retirement villages as a possible strategic and sustainable response to the ageing of the population. The closing session focused on environmental gerontology. It was given by Graham Rowles (Professor of
Gerontology,University of Kentucky) who ended his lecture with a vision of the impact of new technologies on the experience of ageing.
Accompanying the scientific programme was two wine receptions, post-dinner entertainment (which included a performance by the Boil and Bubble Theatre Group, a disco led by the legendary Bristol based veteran DJ Derek and an after dinner speech by Tony Benn. The longest ever serving Labour MP (who represented Bristol South East from 1950 to 1983), delivered an exceptionally witty speech covering both the personal experiences of ageing as well as an acerbic commentary on the follies of current world politics. He received a
standing ovation.
The theme for the 2009 BCG conference is Culture, Diversity and Ageing. For further details see www.bsg2009.org.uk.
RC Smith, School Policy Studies
Randall.Smith@bristol.ac.uk