Working Late

Strategies to Enhance Productive and Healthy Environments for the Older Workforce

A collaborative research project funded under the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme

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Research Councils UK Parliamentary Reception features Working Late

June 10th, 2013

House of Commons invites Loughborough researchers to present their work

On Tuesday 4th June 2013, Professor Cheryl Haslam and Dr Myanna Duncan attended a Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology event held at the House of Commons, Westminster. Entitled ‘The Science of Health and Well-being’, the event showcased the latest scientific developments in the field of health and well-being. Seven of the leading funding bodies were present: Arts and Humanities Research Council; Medical Research Council; Science and Technology Facilities Council; Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; Natural Environment Research Council; Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council; and the Economic and Social Research Council.

Professor Haslam and Dr Duncan were representing the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme. The research team showcased the ‘Working Late’ project which focuses on the practice and policy issues of later life working. Delegates were told about the successful Walking Works Wonders intervention which promotes physical activity in the workplace and improves health, productivity and quality of working life. Delegates were given the opportunity to have a one-to-one health screening using the TANITA body composition analyser. The health screenings were very well received with some 50 delegates cueing up for this experience!

Adam Afriyie MP, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, opened the event with a talk on the value of science in improving health and well-being. This was followed by a presentation from Professor David Walker, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer from the Department of Health, who focused on evidence-based practice informing policy making. Interactive exhibitions were available from other research projects including: Lasers for Health; Urban Air Quality; Medical Devices; the UK Biobank; and the Impact of Tobacco on Health and Well-being. Professor Rick Rylance, the Chair of Research Councils UK closed the event sharing his reflections from what had been an engaging and informative afternoon.

Professor Cheryl Haslam commented: ‘it was a wonderful opportunity to share our research with policy makers. We were proud to represent the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme and the Economic and Social Research Council at this prestigious event’. Dr Myanna Duncan commented on the day: ‘the delegates we spoke with showed a keen interest in health science research and were most eager to learn about high quality, evidence-based practice’.