The ThirdAgeTx story

ThirdAgeTx is a mission-led spinout from the BTxLab at the University of York.

Our mission is to ensure healthy ageing by optimising psychological health and wellbeing. We tackle the epidemic of loneliness and all the problems this causes.  We make effective treatment & prevention available to all. 

The idea for ThirdAgeTx was born during the dark days of the COVID pandemic in early 2020.  The team behind ThirdAgeTx wanted to do something to address an epidemic of loneliness and depression we saw emerging among older people during COVID. 

Having worked in the field of psychological therapies and healthy ageing for many years, they wanted to contribute to the global pandemic response.  As the pandemic tightened, ThirdAgeTx’s founders saw their relatives and parents become increasingly isolated, despondent and frail.  Using their expertise, and the support of a team of older people who advise their research programme, they designed the BASIL trial. This remains the largest ever trial to target and prevent depression and loneliness.  It was quickly rolled out across over 30 sites across the UK and generated important results for the NHS.  

We have shown that psychological solutions can be offered [at scale and using 'telehealth'] to help people stay active and maintain their social networks. 

Our solutions are tested in large scale randomised controlled trials - the same level of evidence as a new drug or medicaion.  The research that underpins our solution has been published in over a dozen peer reviewed publications.  We have shown that brief, scalable telephone support that is based on our scientific research is clinically effective [it works] and is cost effective [it is good value for money].  

Our partners

ThirdAgeTx is a Spinout from the University of York and the NHS.  Our strategic partners are drawn from the third sector and the regional health-knowledge economy.

ThirdAgeTx was incubated in the Future Founders programme hosted by Northern Accelerator. Northern Accelerator is an exciting collaboration between the North East’s universities, creating real-world impact from world-leading research, commercialising innovation and boosting the region’s economy.

We partnered with Age UK to deliver the ThirdAgeTx trials programme.  Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They provide companionship, advice and support for older people who need it most.

As one of the largest NHS Mental Health Trusts, TEWV partnered with the University of York to deliver the research that underpins ThirdAgeTx.  TEWV is a founding partner in ThirdAgeTx and ensures its work is aligned with the needs of the NHS.

Zuas is focused on Knowledge Exchange and driving Impact in the university sector.  Zuas supported ThirdAgeTx via their Future Founders programme.  They are focussed on the university sector and maximising impact by bridging the gap between academia, industry and government.

Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber operates as the innovation arm of the NHS. It acts bridge between health care providers, commissioners, academia and industry.  HIY&H are proud to support ThirdAgeTx.

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