Download:
pdf |
pdfInsight
Determinants
Exceptional
Aging
Longevity
into the
and
of
The average age of our population is increasing at
unprecedented rates. The current life expectancy
for Americans is around 77.9 years. Improved
medical care and prevention efforts mean that for
the first time in history, older people have an
opportunity to avoid major chronic diseases and
remain healthy, active, and productive. But more
research is needed to understand healthy aging.
The
IDEAL Study is sponsored by the National
Institute on Aging (NIA) part of the National
Institutes of Health (NIH)
Purpose:
Identify biological, physiological, and
behavioral factors that distinguish
“exceptional” agers from others their age.
Understanding what differentiates
“exceptional” agers from others their age may
provide clues to how to preserve physical and
cognitive function in late life and prevent
disease and disability.
Study population:
People age 80 and older
Living within 150 miles of BaltimoreWashington
Meet the eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria:
Can perform normal activities of daily living
without any help
Can walk a quarter mile without pain or
shortness of breath
Have no severe memory or cognitive issues
Eligibility criteria (con.)
Have no major medical conditions, including no
history of:
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Active cancer
Neurological or brain diseases
Eligibility criteria (con.)
Have no major medical conditions, including no
history of:
Any medical condition that requires chronic
drug treatment except drugs for hypertension
Severe gastrointestinal or stomach diseases
Significant vision and hearing problems
Stage one of screening:
10 minute phone interview
Questions to assess major diseases and
disability status
Stage two of screening
90 minute home visit
Informed consent
Confirm eligibility
Assessment of physical and cognitive function
Obtain a blood sample for eligibility criteria
Enrollment in BLSA
Baseline assessment
Yearly follow-up visits
“Our aim is to learn the secrets of exceptionally
healthy old age. What we find may one day
help reduce the burden and suffering of
others.”
Luigi Ferrucci, M.D., Ph.D, Senior Investigator,
NIA, NIH
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Slide 1 |
| Author | ferruccilu |
| File Modified | 2011-01-25 |
| File Created | 2011-01-25 |