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British Longevity Society (BLS) is a non-profit organisation based in the United Kingdom, dedicated at informing the general public about developments in the fields of biogerontology, ageing and life extension. The Society organises public meetings and other activities in order to discuss and debate any age-related matter. It is one of the oldest of its kind in the world.
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Background
The BLS was established in 1992 by Gerontologist Dr Marios Kyriazis, as a non-commercial, charitable society aiming to facilitate the flow of information between academic research in the field of anti-aging medicine, and the general public. Its constitution stated the aim of furthering public education on issues connected with the means for counteracting the processes, causes and effects of ageing. Between 1993 and 2004 the society published the BLS Newsletter (ISBN 0952965208). The society was refused official charity status in 1993. The reason given by the Charity Commission was that “it would not be in the public interest if lifespan was extended”. The society was re-launched in 2006 with an electronic newsletter and open membership.
Membership
The society attracted a diverse membership, both lay and scientific, including not only British citizens but others from European and American countries. Membership was drawn from a wide socioeconomic spectrum, from Knights to notorious life prisoners. Membership fees were deliberately kept very low (£12/year) in order to reach pensioners on low income. Current membership is free. Members of the British Longevity Society receive a monthly e-mail newsletter, as well as a variety of other discounted products. The BLS holds regular meetings in central London. These are aimed at the lay public, to help them understand new advances in anti-ageing medicine.
On occasions, the society organises meetings with politicians in order to debate matters related to longevity, life extension and ageing in general. It co-operates with other age-related organisations worldwide.
Other information
Although the society is under no commercial influence, it accepts donations from sponsors and for the public. It is run by volunteers and dedicated supporters.Members of the society have appeared in the national press discussing healthy ageing and longevityy, and participated in surveys or research about ageing. The work of the society featured in books about ageing and longevity.