Programme 1: Musculoskeletal health in later life

As people age, their bones, joints, and muscles steadily lose strength, leading to fractures, immobility, and chronic pain. This research programme tackles three of the most common age-related musculoskeletal disorders worldwide: osteoporosis (bone weakening), osteoarthritis (joint degeneration), and sarcopenia (muscle loss). Together, these conditions affect hundreds of millions of people, yet effective public health strategies to prevent or slow them remain limited. The researchers combine large-scale observational studies with laboratory work on underlying biological mechanisms to identify what actually works in older populations. If successful, the programme could produce simple, widely deliverable interventions—such as dietary changes, exercise regimens, or drug repurposing—that health services could offer to older adults. The team’s previous findings have already shaped World Health Organization and International Osteoporosis Foundation strategies, suggesting this work could influence national guidelines on healthy ageing. The goal is not a single cure but a practical toolkit to keep people mobile and independent for longer, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving quality of life in later years.