Research Goal A: Improve Health and Quality of Life of Older People
As life expectancy increases, there is an ever greater need to keep these additional years free of disease and disability. Research has shown that lifestyle and other environmental influences can profoundly impact outcomes of aging and that remaining relatively healthy and emotionally vital into very advanced ages is a realistic expectation.
NIA's research is helping to identify lifestyle factors and health behaviors that directly influence physical and mental fitness and risk of disease. Scientists are defining optimal recommendations regarding diet, dietary supplements, exercise, safety, and other factors to ensure health and function and reduce the risks of disease and disability. People of all ages can use this knowledge to increase the likelihood of enjoying a healthy old age.
Strategies are being developed to prevent or reduce the severity of health problems in older people and improve health and long-term care. One approach is defining the gradual or programmed changes in structure and function that characterize normal aging. Understanding how these changes impact health may lead to innovative means of disease prevention and therapy. Another approach is discovering the pathologic changes that precede or occur with disease. These advances are essential for early diagnosis and present opportunities for stopping or reversing the course of the disease.
Efforts also are underway to enhance elders' physical, mental, and interpersonal abilities and to expand opportunities for achieving personal goals and contributing to society. This research will identify behaviors and social interactions that influence health and quality of life. Results of these studies can enhance symptom management, conserve function, and improve caregiving.
Improving health and quality of life for older adults therefore depends on progress in achieving three research objectives:
- Prevent or reduce age-related diseases, disorders, and disability
- Maintain physical health and function
- Enhance older adults' societal roles and interpersonal support and reduce social isolation.
