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Despite the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of humanity’s most remarkable achievements has been an overall long-term increase in global life expectancy compared to a century ago. This progress reflects significant advancements in health care and living conditions, but it comes with a crucial challenge: ensuring that people remain healthy as they age, regardless of their circumstances.
A recent fireside chat featuring NIA Director Richard J. Hodes, M.D.; U.S. Agency on International Development Assistant Administrator for Global Health Atul Gawande, M.D., M.P.H.; and NIH Fogarty International Center (FIC) Director Kathleen Neuzil, M.D., M.P.H., highlighted the importance of global aging research. The event featured discussions on how middle-income countries such as Costa Rica, Chile, and Thailand have successfully increased life expectancy, and how cash transfer programs for older adults in Mexico and South Africa were associated with improved health outcomes.
Read on to learn how global insights from NIA-funded studies are increasing our understanding of healthy aging and resources available to scientists in this growing area.
The benefits of cross-national comparisons for aging
Aging well is influenced by the interplay of several factors, including health care access, genetics, and the quality of our social and physical environments. NIA-funded longitudinal, nationally representative studies, such as the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) International Family of Studies , enable us to compare and examine factors that lead to healthier aging across countries, and how they can inform similar U.S. initiatives in low-resource settings.
Scaling up low-cost solutions
International studies can also inform implementation science (the integration of evidence-based approaches in routine health care, policies, or programs). NIA participates in the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases , led by our colleagues at FIC, which is working to improve health care access for people living with chronic diseases and multi-morbidity , both in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and among U.S. tribal populations. Through these efforts, we’re learning more about strategies to scale up low-cost primary health care services or use simple technologies such as cell phone-based blood pressure monitoring to improve health outcomes.
The importance of diversity in aging research
Diversifying populations in aging research is essential to ensure that findings are applicable and relevant to all. It can help identify unique risks and needs among specific groups and lead to the development of more effective interventions and policies that promote healthy aging for everyone.
For instance, the APOE ɛ4 gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. But recent research using genetic data from around the world indicates that the level of risk can vary among different ancestral populations, and understanding these variations is vital for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Another example is the NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP), through which researchers are investigating genetic risk factors across diverse populations, which could lead to more tailored approaches to therapeutics.
Maintaining momentum in global aging research
To maintain momentum in global aging research, NIA has several initiatives to support training future researchers in LMICs . These include:
- Small grants to junior investigators in LMICs to support their career development
- Fostering neuroscience research collaborations between U.S. and LMIC institutions
- Support for emerging global leaders in aging and dementia research, and research by early-stage faculty at LMIC institutions
We also recognize the important role of data sharing and integration. We invite scientists to explore data and related resources available from NIA, including from the HRS and Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol as well as the ADSP .
Think globally, then connect with us
By expanding global research and infrastructure, we can take meaningful steps toward improving health outcomes for older populations in the U.S. and internationally. This journey requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to understanding the diverse needs of all.
If you have questions or suggestions on global aging research, leave a comment below. Together, we can pave the way for healthier aging for everyone!
Data Sharing Diversity Funding Opportunities Scientific Resources Training and Career Development 2024-12-04T00:00:00Z