Brunel Institute for Ageing Studies (BIAS)

The Brunel Institute for Ageing Studies (BIAS) is a research centre and collaborative network bringing together staff from different schools in Brunel University for the purpose of conducting interdisciplinary research in gerontology.  BIAS was founded in the summer of 2007 with the fundamental goal of advancing knowledge in the field of ageing with the aim of improving the quality of life and health of older people.  Almost all gerontology research programmes address two fundamental questions, and BIAS is no different.  These questions are:

• How can we ensure that people age happily, healthily and free of disability?
• For those who become ill and disabled, how can we ensure that interventions and care are provided effectively, efficiently and in line with the perceived needs and wishes of older people themselves?

These questions raise a number of interesting ethical and legal issues about ageing populations and how best to ensure that care at the end of life respects the rights of older people, as well as ensures a fair distribution of resources between generations and across the life span.  BIAS research falls into three main categories: Ageing healthily, good care and ethical and legal issues.  More information about BIAS can be found at:

http://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/acad/health/healthres/researchareas/bbias