New Delhi: In a bid to promote medical research and development in the country, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore launched a research initiative-Longevity India Initiative (LII), a project to focus on the efforts to extend human ‘healthspan’ and tackle ageing-related challenges in the country.
This initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of ageing through both fundamental and applied research and has already started a large-scale clinical study that will involve researchers from multiple IISc departments, clinicians, industry, philanthropists and civil society.
Talking about the initiative, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon, said “As we witness remarkable progress in ageing research, it’s evident that collaboration between industry and academia is essential. With India’s elderly population projected to surge to 347 million by 2050, it is imperative that we leverage technology to provide accessible geriatric healthcare, nurture the silver economy and invest in digital systems that support ageing populations.”
Speaking at the launch, Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India, who has given an initial grant funding support said “The Longevity India Initiative challenges the notion that ageing is an inevitable fate. As we study the complexities of ageing, we recognise the importance of considering diverse factors that shape it, including lifestyle, culture, genetics, and environment.”
“With India’s unique demographic landscape, existing longevity research may not suffice. This initiative is an attempt to bring together multiple stakeholders working in the space, and explore the subject factoring in India’s specific and diverse needs and we believe research-based interventions can pave the way for healthy ageing in India,” he added.
Elucidating the urgent need for diverse stakeholders from academia, healthcare and industry to come together, and nurture technology development and deep research on healthy ageing, Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc, said, “Many research groups at IISc have already been working on ageing and associated challenges for years. We are optimistic that this timely initiative will have a significant impact on tackling the growing burden of ageing in the country,” Govindan added.
