Indo British Geriatrics Council is expected to initiate a number of programmes to promote healthy aging in the changing world. At the second International Conference on Geriology, Geriatrics Medicine and Rehabilitation being held in Bengaluru, kicked off discussions on age-related issues and a broad range of clinical topics including diagnosis management and treatment for common problems in the aging population.

On the occasion, Ian Felton, British Deputy High Commissioner, Bengaluru unveiled a plaque to symbolize the coming together of two large nations with a mission to provide quality life and improve the well being of elderly.

In view of a significant shift in global demographics – with the over-60 population set to reach one billion within 10 years, the Indo-British Geriatrics Council is expected to integrate the knowledge of specialists and geriatricians regarding aging-associated diseases and treatment.

The India and UK healthcare relationship is strong. Early this month, the Indo British Health Initiative (IBHI) organised an Oncology Summit at Bengaluru and Chennai. Experts came together to discuss their strengths and challenges in the area of cancer care, with pre and post programme co-operation as the major aim in this path breaking exchange of technology and learning. There would be many more such collaborations in the healthcare space, stated the British Deputy High Commissioner, Bengaluru.

The geriatrics conference is part of the GREAT Road Show in Bangalore, a series of niche events aimed at fostering exchange between the UK and India to facilitate trade and investment. The Road-Show seeks to achieve this by building and developing the UK's business brand in Bengaluru, translating Indian business interest by bringing in delegations, encouraging Indian companies to work with and in the UK, and highlighting UK capabilities to Indian companies, said the current and projected growth of older people over the coming decades will have significant health, economic and policy implications globally. India and the UK each have unique requirements. But working together, we can achieve the capabilities to improve the quality of life and well-being of older people. The exchange of ideas in particular through the proposed Indo-British Geriatrics Council will help us to achieve our goals for a dignified and healthy old age, said British Deputy High Commissioner, Bengaluru.