New research aimed at helping Scotland’s population lead a more mobile and active retirement is underway after a funding boost from an international oil and gas firm.
Addressing immobility problems in the elderly currently costs the taxpayer £4.9billion a year, a figure estimated to rise to £11.9billion by 2026.
Limited physical activity is also linked with other diseases such as diabetes or obesity – both growing Scottish health problems.
Now, thanks to a substantial cash pledge from Cansco, the Aberdeen-based oil industry supplier, research has begun to help make tomorrow's pensioners more mobile.
Today, Mike Loggie, Cansco CEO, will visit the University of Aberdeen's Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) to see the work being funded by his firm.
Cansco has agreed to fund one PhD and three undergraduate Sport Science students for the duration of their studies at the University.
Robert Currie is the current beneficiary of the Cansco PhD Sport Science Studentship, and recently began a study into the prevention of age-related loss of muscle mass.
The research he and others carry out will be enhanced by additional Cansco funding for cutting edge sport science equipment in the new Aberdeen Regional Sport Facility, which is expected to open in early 2009.
"The work being carried out by Robert and his colleagues at the IAHS could potentially have huge benefits for society at large as well as amateur and elite athletes, and that's something I wanted to play a part in," said Mr Loggie.
"If it hadn't been for public health visionaries like Matthew Hay, who pioneered the Foresterhill site, we wouldn't have the community we have today.
"Researchers, however, can't be expected to do it all by themselves, and I had a strong desire to be involved with something that would have a lasting and positive impact for future generations.
"We've got a great community here in the North-east and I felt it was important that people like Robert and his research colleagues have the sufficient funding and equipment to make the situation even better in years to come."
Professor Stephen Logan, Senior Vice-Principal said the University was delighted to receive backing from Cansco.
"We already have first-class facilities within Sport Science and this very welcome funding will help to further assist the high-level research that continues to be carried out at the University."