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The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is launching its biggest ever Festival of Social Science with an exhibition highlighting the opportunities and challenges posed by an ageing population.

With 10 topical areas, 'How to get to 100 – and enjoy it' allows visitors to explore demographic issues through interactive activities, games and information displays. As the United Nations estimates the number of centenarians worldwide will increase tenfold by 2050 – from 320,000 to 3.2 million - the interactive installation aims to get people thinking about how these social changes will affect their lives.

Developed by experts from across Europe, including academics at the ESRC Centre for Population Change (CPC), the exhibition at London's gallery@oxo is one of 200 free events taking place around the UK as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science.

From 1-8 November, the Festival celebrates some of the country’s leading social science research and provides an opportunity for members of the public - including businesses, civil servants, community groups and charities - to meet and engage with academics studying the big issues facing people today. Now in its twelfth year, the Festival has previously helped over 500 researchers engage with new audiences – from school pupils to pensioners.

Chief Executive of the ESRC, Professor Jane Elliott, said: "I'm delighted to launch the 2014 Festival of Social Science with such an interesting and informative exhibition. 'How to get to 100 - and enjoy it' demonstrates what a key role social science plays in understanding how to improve wellbeing throughout the life course. 

"The interactive stands are a great way for visitors to interact with the latest research data. I’m sure everyone will leave the exhibition having had a fascinating experience, as we reflect on what the big issues affecting society mean for us as individuals.

“Over the next week we're expecting 20,000 people to attend events just like this all across the UK as part of the ESRC's annual Festival of Social Science. There's something for everyone, from debates and discussions to practical workshops and exhibitions – we’re opening up the social sciences and demonstrating their importance to people all over the country."

The Festival has successfully grown in recent years with even more events taking part. Other events this year include a workshop on David Attenborough's broadcasting in Belfast, a sixth form Dragons' Den competition in Aberystwth, and an evening of talks on adoption in Huddersfield. All events are free to attend.

Previously on display in Southampton, the CPC exhibition is based at gallery@oxo from 29 October to 2 November before continuing its tour around the country, visiting Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Cardiff. The exhibition is free and open to everyone.

"An ageing population poses both challenges and opportunities for societies. We hope we can get people in the cities we visit to think about this social change and what it might mean in the long term for themselves and their communities" says Professor Jane Falkingham, Director of the CPC and the University of Southampton's Dean of Social and Human Sciences.

ESRC Press Office

• Aaron Boardley 
  Email: aaron.boardley@esrc.ac.uk 
  Telephone: 01793 413122
• Susie Watts 
  Email: susie.watts@esrc.ac.uk 
  Telephone: 01793 413119

Notes for editors

1. Event: How to get to 100 – and enjoy it
   Location: gallery@oxo, London, SE1 9PH 
   Date: 29 October – 2 November 2014
2. The exhibition tours: 
   West Quay, Southampton 20-26 October 
   gallery@oxo, London 29 October - 2 November 
   The Lowry, Manchester 10-14 November 
   Silverburn, Glasgow 17-21 November 
   Millennium Point, Birmingham 25-28 November 
   Pierhead, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff 2-4 December
3. Journalists interested in visiting the London exhibition or wishing to set up interviews should contact: 
   Genna West, Knowledge Exchange and Communications Manager, Centre for Population Change 
   Email: g.t.west@southampton.ac.uk 
   Telephone: 023 8059 4080
4. The project to develop and promote the exhibition across Europe is led by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany. The CPC has taken the lead in the UK creating content specific to this country in conjunction with Population Europe – a network of leading European experts specialising in communicating demographic knowledge to a wider public.
5. The ESRC Centre for Population Change is based at the Universities of Southampton and St Andrews
6. Through world-leading research and enterprise activities, the University of Southampton connects with businesses to create real-world solutions to global issues. Through its educational offering, it works with partners around the world to offer relevant, flexible education, which trains students for jobs not even thought of. This connectivity is what sets Southampton apart from the rest; we make connections and change the world. #weareconnected
7. The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research website
8. The Population Europe website  
9. The 12th annual Festival of Social Science takes place from 1-8 November 2014 with over 200 free events nationwide. Run by the Economic and Social Research Council, the Festival provides an opportunity for anyone to meet with some of the country’s leading social scientists and discover, discuss and debate the role that research plays in everyday life. With a whole range of creative and engaging events there’s something for everyone including businesses, charities, schools and government agencies. See the full programme of events and join the discussion on Twitter using #esrcfestival.
10. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funds research into the big social and economic questions facing us today. We also develop and train the UK's future social scientists. Our research informs public policies and helps make businesses, voluntary bodies and other organisations more effective. Most importantly, it makes a real difference to all our lives. The ESRC is an independent organisation, established by Royal Charter in 1965, and funded mainly by the Government. In 2015 the ESRC celebrates its 50th anniversary.