Research Directives
Why Research on Aging?
The aging of the American population is an unprecedented demographic shift, with nearly 56 million Americans currently aged 65 and older. By 2034, this number is projected to increase to 77 million, surpassing the number of individuals under 18 years. The implications for public health are significant, as aging is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
Age-related chronic diseases are the leading public health challenge of the 21st century. Diet quality and physical activity behaviors are major determinants for the development and progression of these diseases and are central to the maintenance of physical and mental health, independence, and quality of life. To enhance healthy aging in our society, HNRCA scientists are advancing the understanding of the scientific basis for how diet quality and physical activity influence cellular function, physiology, metabolism, and eating behaviors.
A major concern of HNRCA investigators is the growing gap between lifespan and healthspan – typically defined as the period of life spent in good health, free from the chronic diseases and disabilities of aging. The HNRCA is committed to addressing these challenges and finding effective interventions to promote healthy aging for all individuals.
Our research focuses on extending healthspan as represented by four directives:
Diet & Chronic Disease Prevention for Healthy Aging
Research in our Diet & Chronic Disease Prevention for Healthy Aging directive strives to find specific food components, foods, and dietary patterns that promote healthy aging and can help delay or slow progression of age-related chronic diseases.
Metabolism & Basic Biology of Aging
Research in our Metabolism & Basic Biology of Aging directive focuses on understanding cellular and molecular processes that contribute to age-related diseases.
Diet & Aging Brain, Sensory Systems
Scientists in the Diet & Aging Brain, Sensory Systems research directive use data from population-based longitudinal and prospective studies to evaluate how diet affects the nervous system and sensory functions.
Precision Nutrition & Healthy Aging
Scientists in the Precision Nutrition & Healthy Aging research directive leverage current advances in omics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and machine learning to gain insights into the role of dietary factors and their impact on health and aging.
