Our Society
At the Cambridge Longevity and Ageing Research Society (CLARS), we are a team of visionary postgraduates and postdoctoral fellows united by an audacious goal: to redefine the paradigm of human ageing.
We live in an ageing world!
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The world population is experiencing a significant shift in age demographics, a trend largely attributed to improvements in health, survival, and reduced fertility rates. The global median age has increased from just over 20 years in 1970 to just over 30 years in 2022, with about a quarter of the global population being younger than 14 years, 10% being older than 65, and half being in the working-age bracket between 25 and 65.
From a historical perspective, in 1950, the global population was 2.5 billion, and by the end of the century, it's expected to reach around 10.4 billion. The most significant changes in this population growth have been the increase in the number of children from 1950 to now, and the expected surge in the number of working-age and elderly people in the years to come. In fact, for every child younger than 15, there were 1.7 people of working age (15 to 64) in 1950, and there are 2.6 now, a ratio expected to reach 3.6 by the end of the century.
These changes vary globally, with Japan having one of the highest median ages at 48.4 years in 2021, while Niger was one of the youngest at 14.5 years. The changes in Japan illustrate the rapid ageing transition, with the share of those over 65 years old increasing from less than 5% in 1950 to almost 30% in 2021. These demographic shifts offer both challenges and opportunities as societies strive to create equitable, inclusive environments for all ages.
We live in an ageing world!
Why Ageing and Longevity Research are Crucial
Longevity and ageing research holds paramount importance as it aims to extend healthspan, reducing the period of frailty and vulnerability at the end of life. By deciphering the biological mechanisms underlying ageing, we can potentially delay or prevent various age-related diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. This research has profound implications, from increasing productivity by extending the working lifespan, to alleviating the social and economic burden of an ageing population. Therefore, it's not only about living longer, but ensuring those additional years are lived in good health, enhancing overall human wellbeing.
Our Vision
We strive to transform ageing from an inevitable decline into a condition that can be effectively treated or even cured. Our ambition is to unravel the mysteries of ageing and target age-related disorders with novel, effective treatments. We envision a future where longevity is harmonized with sustained health and wellbeing, where each additional year is a year lived fully. Our mission isn't merely about prolonging life but about ensuring that longevity carries with it the promise of enriched and vibrant life experiences.
