Statistics from Research into Ageing, the biomedical research arm of Help the Aged, show that by 2025 over six million older people will be suffering from a debilitating long-term illness.

The number of over-65s in the UK is predicted to almost double over the next two decades. Although it's good that people are living longer, several of those years will be lived with a limiting long-term illness.

Health and social care for older people currently absorbs around 43% of the NHS’s annual budget, and this figure will continue to rise.

Dr Lorna Layward, from Research into Ageing, comments: 'Within a generation, we will see increases in a range of distressing diseases from dementia to incontinence.

'Within a generation, we will see increases in a range of distressing diseases from dementia to incontinence'

'Unless we find ways to prevent or treat these conditions, the strain on society and its infrastructure will reach breaking point.   

'Most age-related diseases are shockingly under-researched. Research into Ageing is the only UK charity solely dedicated to supporting research into the whole spectrum of age-related illnesses, and every year we are forced to turn down vital research projects due to a lack of funds.'

'Every year we are forced to turn down vital research projects due to a lack of funds'

The Department of Health and the NHS spend just 1% of their total research budget on age-related projects. The Charity is calling for Government to give greater investment to this vital area of research. 

You can help by donating to Research into Ageing - please call 0207 239 1984 or donate online