Diet & Chronic Diseases of Healthy Aging

The prevalence of age-related chronic diseases, such as cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal, and cancer increases with advancing years and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality risk, loss of independence, and elevated health care costs. To promote healthy aging, HNRCA researchers are advancing the scientific basis for how diet quality and physical activity influence cellular function, physiology, metabolism, and eating behaviors. Critical to achieving this goal is to elucidate mechanisms of action and identify physiologic states that modify age-related chronic disease initiation and progression by expanding our knowledge of the underlying processes responsible for these relationships. This is achieved by conducting investigations to identify dietary patterns, specific foods and food components, and physical activities that promote healthy aging and prevent the progression of age-related chronic diseases. The success of this research will influence guidance on improving dietary patterns and increasing physical activity to promote healthy aging and reduce the physical toll and economic burden of age-related chronic diseases.

By integrating clinical, basic, and pragmatic research, this research contributes to the evidence base on which strategies to address one of the leading public health challenges of the 21st century.