The Birmingham 1000 Elders group

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Birmingham 1000 Elders – Join Our Healthy Ageing Research Community

Advancing Healthy Ageing Research

Medical advances mean that people are living longer, but not always healthier. While lifespans are increasing, the time spent in good health—our health span—is not keeping pace. The Birmingham 1000 Elders is a group that brings together researchers and older adults to explore how we can improve health in later life.

What is the Birmingham 1000 Elders? 

The Birmingham 1000 Elders is a community of adults aged 60 and over who are interested in contributing to research that enhances quality of life in old age. Based at the University of Birmingham, the group plays a vital role in shaping and participating in studies on ageing, health, and wellbeing.

With over 500 members, the group provides a valuable resource for researchers, helping to generate insights that lead to real-world improvements in healthy ageing.

Pioneering Healthy Ageing Research

The Birmingham 1000 Elders was founded in the early 1980s by Professor Bernard Isaacs, a pioneer in geriatric medicine, who recognised the importance of involving local people in research.

Following his leadership, Professor Janet Lord CBE led the group for many years, playing a crucial role in its development and impact. She was awarded a CBE for her contributions to the field of ageing research before retiring at the end of 2022.

Today, the group is led by Dr. Thomas Jackson, Associate Professor in Geriatric Medicine, continuing its vital work in supporting healthy ageing research.

 

How the 1000 Elders Contribute

As a Birmingham Elder, you can choose to take part in a range of research activities, such as:

  • Questionnaires and Surveys – Share insights on health, lifestyle, and ageing.
  • Focus Groups – Help shape research by providing feedback on study design.
  • In-Person Studies – Participate in research at the University, including tests on physical health, cognition, and mobility.
  • Reviewing Research – Give your perspective on reports, grant proposals, and study materials.

Members receive email notifications from the group manager about new research opportunities. If they are interested, they can respond to express their interest and will then receive further details about the study. Participation is entirely voluntary, and members can choose whether to take part in any given project.

Why Join?

  • Make a difference – Help researchers develop solutions to improve health and wellbeing in older age.
  • Stay engaged – Take part in mentally and physically stimulating activities.
  • Be part of a research community – Meet like-minded individuals who share an interest in healthy ageing.

Get involved

Joining the Birmingham 1000 Elders is simple. If you are 60 or over and in good health, you can register your interest by completing our online application form. Your details will be securely stored, and you will be contacted when relevant research opportunities arise.

Apply now to be part of the Birmingham 1000 Elders group.

For any questions or more information, please contact us at 1000elders@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Privacy Policies

Further information on our privacy policy, including how we process and store your data, can be downloaded via the link below:

Birmingham 1000 Elders privacy notice (Word, 23KB)

For further information on how the University of Birmingham uses your data, please see the University's Privacy Page and Mailing lists privacy notice linked below: