Indian Institute of Science Launches Longevity India Initiative for Healthy Aging Research
Written by Arushi Sharma
A recent Lancet report highlights the escalating impact of breast cancer globally, projecting over a million annual fatalities by 2040 if left untreated. With cases expected to surpass 3 million by 2040, urgent action is needed to improve early detection and support systems.
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), India's leading science institute, has embarked on a pioneering journey with the launch of the Longevity India Initiative. This ambitious project aims to revolutionize the understanding of ageing, extend human health-span, and promote healthy ageing across India.
The Longevity India Initiative brings together a diverse team of researchers, clinicians, industry experts, philanthropists, and civil society members. With a multidisciplinary approach, the initiative seeks to harness cutting-edge research to develop interventions for managing age-related diseases and fostering healthy living among India's population.
Recognizing the pressing need to address the challenges posed by an ageing population, the initiative emphasizes collaboration between academia and industry. As India's elderly population is projected to swell to 347 million by 2050, leveraging technology for accessible geriatric care and nurturing a thriving silver economy becomes imperative.
Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner of Accel India, highlighted the initiative's goal of challenging the notion that ageing is inevitable. He stressed the importance of understanding the multifaceted factors influencing ageing, such as lifestyle, genetics, and environment, and emphasized the need for tailored research approaches suited to India's unique demographics.
Govindan Rangarajan, Director of IISc, hailed the initiative as timely and impactful. He noted the significant contributions of various research groups at IISc that have been studying ageing for years and expressed confidence that the Longevity India Initiative would play a pivotal role in addressing the growing burden of ageing in India.
With its collaborative and innovative approach, the Longevity India Initiative holds the promise of reshaping the landscape of healthy ageing research and promoting holistic well-being among India's population.