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. 

We wanted to access high quality psychological care for our loved ones, but could not do that.  We also wanted to make sure the NHS had good evidence to guide what it does.  

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].