Gerontology Research Articles

Energy metabolism dysregulation, cerebrovascular aging, and time-restricted eating: Current evidence and proof-of-concept findings

Abstract Dysregulated energy metabolism is a hallmark of aging, including brain aging; thus, strategies to restore normal metabolic regulation are at the forefront of aging research. Intermittent fasting, particularly time-restricted eating (TRE), is one of these strategies. Despite its well-established effectiveness in improving metabolic outcomes in older adults, the effect of TRE on preserving or improving cerebrovascular health during aging remains underexplored. We explored how aging itself affects energy metabolism and contextualized these age-related changes to cerebrovascular health. We also conducted a literature search on PubMed and Scopus to identify and summarize current studies on TRE in older adults. Finally, we provided preliminary data from our proof-of-concept pilot trial on the effect of 6-month TRE on cerebrovascular health in older adults. Current evidence shows the potential of TRE to improve energy metabolism and physiological outcomes in older adults. TRE may improve cerebrovascular function indirectly due to its effect on glucose homeostasis. However, to date, direct evidence of the effect of TRE on cerebrovascular parameters is lacking. TRE is a well-tolerated and promising dietary intervention for promoting and maintaining cerebrovascular health in older adults. Further studies on TRE in older adults must be better controlled for energy balance to elucidate its independent effects from those of caloric restriction.

Mapping the evolution of liver aging research: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND With the increasing of the global aging population, healthy aging and prevention of age-related diseases have become increasingly important. The liver, a vital organ involved in metabolism, detoxification, digestion, and immunity, holds a pivotal role in the aging process of organisms. Although extensive research on liver aging has been carried out, no bibliometric analysis has been conducted to evaluate the scientific progress in this area. AIM To analyze basic knowledge, development trends, and current research frontiers in the field via bibliometric methods. METHODS We conducted bibliometric analyses via a range of analytical tools including Python, the bibliometrix package in R, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer. We retrieved publication data on liver aging research from the Web of Science Core Collection Database. A scientific knowledge map was constructed to display the contributions from different authors, journals, countries, institutions, as well as patterns of co-occurrence keywords and co-cited references. Additionally, gene regulation pathways associated with liver aging were analyzed via the STRING database. RESULTS We identified 4288 articles on liver aging, authored by 24034 contributors from 4092 institutions across 85 countries. Notably, the years 1991 and 2020 presented significant bursts in publication output. The United States led in terms of publications (n = 1008, 25.1%), citations (n = 55205), and international collaborations (multiple country publications = 214). Keywords such as “lipid metabolism”, “fatty liver disease”, “inflammation”, “liver fibrosis” and “target” were prominent, highlighting the current research hotspots. Notably, the top 64 genes, each of which appeared in at least 8 articles, were involved in pathways essential for cell survival and aging, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, Forkhead box O and p53 signaling pathways. CONCLUSION This study highlights key areas of liver aging and offers a comprehensive overview of research trends, as well as insights into potential value for collaborative pursuits and clinical implementations.

Gerontologic Biostatistics and Data Science: Aging Research in the Era of Big Data.

Introduced in 2010, the sub-discipline of gerontologic biostatistics was conceptualized to address the specific challenges of analyzing data from clinical research studies involving older adults. Since then, the evolving technological landscape has led to a proliferation of advancements in biostatistics and other data sciences that have significantly influenced the practice of gerontologic research, including studies beyond the clinic. Data science is the field at the intersection of statistics and computer science, and although the term "data science" was not widely used in 2010, the field has quickly made palpable impacts on gerontologic research. In this Review in Depth, we describe multiple advancements of biostatistics and data science that have been particularly impactful. Moreover, we propose the sub-discipline of "gerontologic biostatistics and data science", or GBDS, which subsumes gerontologic biostatistics into a more encompassing practice. Prominent GBDS advancements that we discuss herein include cutting-edge methods in experimental design and causal inference, adaptations of machine learning, the rigorous quantification of deep phenotypic measurement, and analysis of high-dimensional -omics data. We additionally describe the need for integration of information from multiple studies and propose strategies to foster reproducibility, replicability, and open science. Lastly, we provide information on software resources for GBDS practitioners to apply these approaches to their own work and propose areas where further advancement is needed. The methodological topics reviewed here aim to enhance data-rich research on aging and foster the next generation of gerontologic researchers.

Traumatic dental injuries and oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with special health care needs in Eastern India: A case-control study.

This matched case-control study aimed to investigate the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in hearing and/or visually impaired children attending government special schools in Eastern India. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to define cases and controls based on the Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (PCP-Q) scores from the 228 parent/guardian responses. The cases included children with a higher negative impact on OHRQoL (89 subjects), whereas the controls were those with a lower negative impact on OHRQoL (139 subjects). Groups were matched for age and gender and researchers were blinded to case/control status. Binary logistic regression was performed. The prevalence of TDI among the study subjects was 24.12%. Compared to subjects in the control group (16.5%), a significantly higher proportion of cases (36%) reported a history of TDI. Children with TDI had considerably higher OHRQoL scores across all P-CPQ sub-scales. Falls were the most common cause of TDI, primarily at home or school and none received treatment. TDI significantly impacts OHRQoL in these children. Lack of treatment highlights the need for caregiver awareness and improved dental access for children with special needs. Further research with larger samples and specialized OHRQoL tools is recommended.

Employing Verbal Divergent Thinking to Mitigate Cognitive Decline: Current State of Research and Reasons to Support Its Use

Background/Objectives: Divergent thinking (DT), the ability to generate alternative responses to open-ended problems, has become an increasingly relevant topic in aging research due to its inverse relationship with cognitive decline. Methods: In this narrative review, we explore the latest evidence supporting DT training as a potential strategy for dementia prevention. Results: We identify two pathways through which DT may protect against cognitive decline: (1) by fostering creative cognition and (2) by stimulating DT-related domains. Our findings suggest that verbal DT remains relatively well preserved in older adults, although there is limited empirical evidence to support the idea that DT training enhances creative cognition or DT-related domains in this population. Conclusions: Therefore, while tools designed to enhance DT in older individuals seem promising, it is crucial to rigorously test their effects on the target population to maximize their impact on both the cognitive and psychological domains.

The Fourth Annual Symposium of the Midwest Aging Consortium.

The Midwest Aging Consortium (MAC) has emerged as a critical collaborative initiative aimed at advancing our understanding of aging and developing strategies to combat the rising prevalence of age-related diseases. Founded in 2019, MAC brings together researchers from various disciplines and institutions across the Midwestern United States to foster interdisciplinary geroscience research. This report summarizes the highlights of the Fourth Annual Symposium of MAC, which was held at Iowa State University in May 2023. The symposium featured presentations on a wide array of topics, including studies on slow-aging animals, cellular senescence and senotherapeutics, the role of the immune system in aging, metabolic changes in aging, neuronal health in aging, and biomarkers for measuring the aging process. Speakers shared findings from studies involving a variety of animals, ranging from commonly used species such as mice, rats, worms, yeast, and fruit flies, to less-common ones like naked mole-rats, painted turtles, and rotifers. MAC continues to emphasize the importance of supporting emerging researchers and fostering a collaborative environment, positioning itself as a leader in aging research. This symposium not only showcased the current state of aging biology research but also highlighted the consortium's role in training the next generation of scientists dedicated to improving the healthspan and well-being of the aging population.

Ageing and Brain Research Networks in Norway

The global population is ageing rapidly with over 1.6 billion people forecast to be over 65 by 2050. While this ‘crisis of ageing’ builds, medical research is rushing to prepare to meet the expected increase in the number of patients, especially those with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. With the growth of the digital world, sharing of information and resources has come into focus as one way to help meet the crisis through creating positive collaborative working environments. In Norway, particularly two networks on ageing research have grown through the need for connectivity and collaboration, NO-Age and NO-AD. Their growth, and the growth of international collaborative environments, will help researchers seek for the keys to longer, healthier lives for older people around the world.

Predictive ability of the Cancer and Aging Research Group chemotherapy toxicity calculator in hematologic malignancy

IntroductionChemotherapy toxicity tools are rarely studied in patients with hematologic malignancy (HM). The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the predictive ability of the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) chemo-toxicity calculator in estimating grade 3–5 toxicity in patients with HM. Materials and MethodsPatients 60 years and older with HM were prospectively evaluated using the CARG chemo-toxicity calculator. Discrimination and calibration were checked by applying the published model in our data. Additionally, a full geriatric assessment (GA), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and health related quality of life (HRQoL) were captured longitudinally at the start of treatment and at end of study. Secondary aims explored the association of GA metrics with chemo-related toxicities and survival. ResultsOne hundred forty-five patients were approached, 118 patients consented, and 97 patients were evaluable. Most patients were newly diagnosed (n = 91). The median CARG score was 9 (range 4–18). The CARG score was not validated in our cohort of older patients with HM, with area under the receiver operation characteristic curve being 0.53 (95 % CI: 0.41–0.65). In multivariable analysis, after controlling for disease type, risk factors associated with grade 3–5 toxicity included living alone (hazard ratio [HR] 4.24, 95 %CI: 2.07–8.68, p < 0.001), increase in body mass index (HR 1.06, 95 %CI: 1.01–1.12, p = 0.03) and a higher social activities score (HR 1.27, 95 %CI: 1.06–1.51, p = 0.01). In multivariable analysis of overall survival, the only prognostic factor was an objective marker of physical function (SPPB score HR = 0.85, 95 %CI:0.78–0.93, p < 0.001). DiscussionThe CARG chemo-toxicity calculator was not predictive of grade 3–5 toxicity in patients with hematologic malignancy. The SPPB was associated with overall survival in multivariable analysis, suggesting future use as an objective biomarker in HM. We also report a comprehensive trajectory of function, QoL, psychosocial well-being, and cognition among older adults with HM. The predictive accuracy of the CARG chemo-toxicity calculator may be affected by the diverse range of HM treatment options that are not traditional chemotherapy.

The National Institute on Aging's Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research: Development, Evolution, and Impact.

Spanning nearly 30 of the 50 years in which the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has existed, the Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) program represents one of the most successful initiatives for advancing minority aging research and diversifying the scientific workforce within the Institute and across the National Institutes of Health. This article celebrates the genesis of the RCMAR program, beginning with the need to enhance this work, ranging from theories underlying the then-nascent field of health disparities research to study design, measurement, and analytic procedures. It describes the companion focus on preparing, expanding, and diversifying generations of future scholars/scientists to carry forward these advances. RCMAR's emphasis on promoting a comprehensive approach to research career development and building supportive learning communities heralded a more holistic approach to training than was previously the case. The discussion describes the evolution of the structure and emphases of the RCMAR program as it has responded to the frequently changing political, funding, and research environments. The article concludes by highlighting the major successes of this initiative, the challenges it faces, and opportunities afforded future growth as individual centers, the program at large, and NIA as a whole continue to innovate as they collectively address the original goals which remain relevant today and in the near future.

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain is Associated With Depressive Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Independent of Physical Activity. Experimental Aging Research

ABSTRACT Background Prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain and depressive symptoms in adults is high; however, whether there is an association between these conditions in older adults is unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the association of depressive symptoms with chronic musculoskeletal pain, and specifically with chronic LBP and knee osteoarthritis (OA), in community-dwelling older adults. In addition, we explored whether physical activity can mitigate these associations. Methods A cross-sectional study design. A cross-sectional study design. Participants recruited were older adults (age ≥60 years) living in the community. Chronic musculoskeletal pain was assessed by specific questions regarding the presence of chronic LBP and knee OA. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multivariable regression model adjusted for potential confounders (i.e., age, sex, economic status, body composition, and physical activity) was used to investigate the association between chronic musculoskeletal pain and depressive symptoms. Separate analyses were also conducted for older adults with LBP and with knee OA. Results A total of 509 (69% women) older adults were recruited. The regression analysis showed that musculoskeletal pain was associated with higher depressive symptoms ( β = 2.52, 95% CI: 0.50 to 4.54; p-value < .05) compared with older adults without chronic musculoskeletal pain. Similarly, in the fully adjusted model, which included physical activity, LBP was associated with higher depressive symptoms ( β = 2.80, 95% CI: 0.82 to 4.79; p-value < .01). The association between knee OA and depressive symptoms was not statistically significant after adjusting for physical activity ( β = 2.00, 95% CI: −0.13 to 4.13; p-value = .06). Conclusion Older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain have higher depressive symptoms scores, when compared to those without musculoskeletal pain. Physical activity does not seem to influence this association.

Reliable yeast replicative lifespan determination with a single-channel microfluidic chip.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a powerful model for aging research due to its short lifespan and genetic malleability. Microfluidic devices offer an attractive approach enabling rapid monitoring of hundreds of cells during their entire replicative lifespan (RLS). Yet, key operational issues such as contaminations, cell loss, and cell aggregates-dependent flow obstruction can hinder RLS experiments. We report the development of a microfluidic device configuration that effectively prevents flow blockage. We conducted comprehensive performance characterization, evaluating trapping efficiency, cell retention, budding orientation, and cell aggregate formation. The optimized device successfully supported long-term culturing and reliable RLS measurements of budding yeast strains. For accurate lifespan determination, a detailed workflow is provided that includes device fabrication, live microscopy setup, and characterization of cell age distribution. This work describes an accessible and reliable microfluidic device for yeast RLS studies, promoting further exploration in aging research.

Multi-stakeholder aged care research networks: A scoping review.

An ageing population worldwide has highlighted the need for improved care in long term aged care homes. In Australia, such homes are called Residential Aged Care homes, and reform is underway to improve the quality and safety of aged care. A key enabler of quality improvement is increasing evidence-based practice through creating a system to support research translation. Collaborative multi-stakeholder research networks offer a potential solution by bringing together stakeholders to identify evidence-to-practice gaps, co-design research and translate knowledge into practice. The aim of this scoping review was to understand the current evidence on the creation and maintenance of multi-stakeholder aged care research networks internationally, reported facilitators and barriers, and outcomes. An academic literature search in five databases to identify existing multi-stakeholder aged care research networks. A grey literature search was conducted using Google, Google Scholar, grey literature databases and a manual search of targeted websites. 10 papers and 19 web-based resources were identified, reporting on six multi-stakeholder research networks internationally. Enabling factors of successful networks included flexibility in structure, good governance, leveraging pre-existing research relationships, consistent and open communication, staff with dual roles in research and practice, and a focus on building long term partnerships independent of research projects. Collaborative multi-stakeholder research networks offer promise for improving research translation in aged care. Advancing the development of impactful multi-stakeholder aged care research networks requires internationally agreed terminology for network models, clear reporting and evaluation guidelines and dedicated infrastructure resources.

10.I. Scientific session: A National E-Infrastructure for Aging Research to Improve Public Health

Abstract Global life expectancy gains over the last half-century are remarkable. Yet the resulting demographic shift towards an older population poses substantial public health challenges, particularly in healthcare. To address these challenges, a profound and scientifically-based understanding of older adults’ health and care requirements is needed. Recognizing the need for a better understanding of the aging process and public health challenges, the National E-infrastructure for Aging Research (NEAR) was founded in 2018. NEAR seeks to promote and support aging research by facilitating longitudinal population-based data usage from 15 well-known Swedish cohort studies on aging and health. It is based on a collaboration between eight Swedish universities and includes 15 databases with individual assessments. NEAR comprises a broad range of biomedical, clinical, social, and psychological health data from more than 90,000 adults who are 50+ years old. These individuals have been followed between 12 and 52 years. The objective of this workshop is to give an overview of the NEAR infrastructure, present results from three ongoing NEAR projects, and their implications for public health: 1) Temporal trends in dementia incidence in Sweden; 2) Personality and biomarkers of neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease in Swedish older adults, and 3) Characterizing risk profiles and transitions across living and care settings in Sweden. Infrastructures such as NEAR offer high-quality epidemiological data for achieving broad, interdisciplinary research goals that single databases often cannot provide. Moreover, the value added to these kinds of data includes enhanced sample sizes, variations, representativeness, and generalizability. In turn, this can address an aging society’s public and clinical health demands. Eventually, this could lead to sustainable intervention strategies for improving older persons’ health in the coming decades. Key messages • Discover new avenues in public health aging research: Gain insights into cutting-edge aging research opportunities in Sweden, exploring key NEAR projects. • Recognize the value of national infrastructures using high-quality epidemiological data in fostering collaborative and nationally representative public health research.

Rehabilitation delivery models to foster healthy ageing - a scoping review

Abstract Background Rehabilitation is crucial for healthy ageing among older adults, who face heightened risks of non-communicable diseases, infections, injuries, and mental health issues. Yet, understanding tailored rehabilitation for this demographic remains limited. To fill this gap, we conducted a scoping review to identify rehabilitation delivery models targeting older adults’ functioning and healthy ageing. Methods We systematically searched Medline and Embase (January 2015 to May 2022) for English-language studies on rehabilitation approaches for older adults. Three authors independently screened records for eligibility and synthesized findings through quantitative and qualitative analysis. Results Among 6,933 records, we assessed 585 articles, identifying 283 studies with 69,257 participants. Six main rehabilitation delivery models emerged, with outpatient (24%) and telerehabilitation (22%) being predominant. Multidisciplinary teams (31.5%) often followed integrated care principles (30.4%). However, most studies adopted a disease-centric approach (59.0%), neglecting prevalent issues like pain, sensory impairments, incontinence, and sexual dysfunctions. Therapeutic exercises (54.1%) and self-management education (40.1%) were common interventions. Conclusions Our scoping review outlines diverse rehabilitation delivery models for older adults, highlighting gaps in addressing prevalent issues and emphasizing evidence-based strategies to promote healthy ageing. It underscores the need for systematic functional assessment and expansion of rehabilitation programs to cover prevalent health concerns. While limitations include reliance on published research and not assessing model effectiveness, this review lays groundwork for future research and innovation in rehabilitation and healthy ageing. Key messages • The scoping review identifies six rehabilitation delivery models for older adults. • The scoping review advocates for evidence-based strategies for enhancing healthy ageing through rehabilitation.

Characterizing Risk Profiles and Transitions across Living and Care Settings in Sweden

Abstract Background Older adults are at increased risk of frequent healthcare transitions between health care (hospitals) and social care providers (formal care and institutions). Therefore, our objective was to quantify and characterize the potential risk profiles of multiple transitions between living and care settings for older adults. Methods Data were obtained from the National E-Infrastructure for Aging Research (NEAR), including the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC) and the National Patient Register, to evaluate living and care transitions of over 7,000 individuals aged 60+, across homes, formal care, nursing homes, hospitals, and post-acute facilities. A multi-state model was used to represent moving likelihood. Results Over 15 years, the average length of stay was two years at home, one year in home care, one year in institutionalization, eight days in the hospital, and 17 days in post-acute facilities. Older age and being a woman increased the chance of receiving home care after hospital discharge (Hazard Ratio [HR] range 1.35-4.38, 1.06-1.08), whereas multimorbidity and slow walking speed were associated with an 11%-50% increased hazard of hospitalization and home care. Generally, cognitive impairment increased the hazard of institutionalization (HR range 1.99-2.15), and disability was associated with a higher hazard of nursing home placement (HR range 2.57-3.07). Conclusions These findings underscore that care transition patterns are associated with different sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics. This highlights the complex and dynamic interplay between these characteristics and social and health care use. Key messages • The study emphasizes that hospitalization is a major driver of transitions between living and care settings for older adults. • Age, gender, multimorbidity, walking speed, cognitive impairment, and disability all play a role in shaping older adults’ transition patterns between different care settings.

Loneliness in the elderly and disease development in European welfare regions: a longitudinal study

Abstract Healthy ageing research has brought a recent focus on the association between loneliness and disease. Regional differences on loneliness prevalence in the elderly across welfare systems, and its association with varying mortality rates, have recently been demonstrated. We hypothesise loneliness affects disease development in the elderly, impacted by socio-economic policies that characterise welfare systems in the EU. We use logistic regression models to assess the association between loneliness (R-UCLA scale) and onset of new chronic disease and disease events, in a European sample of people aged &amp;gt;50 (n = 40840), using the SHARE database, during 2013 - 22 (waves 5 to 9). Preliminary results from two subsequent waves (2015-17, n = 11870) show a statistically significant effect of persistent loneliness on disease onset (increase in new disease events), when adjusting for sex, age, previous illness, and other socio-economic covariates (AOR 1.22, 95%CI 1.08-1.39, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Notably, comparing to the Scandinavian welfare group, only Eastern European countries show higher odds of disease development (AOR 1.52, 95%CI 1.32-1.77, p &amp;lt; 0.001), while also having the highest incidence of new disease in our sample. Age and welfare group show the strongest association with the outcome of interest, followed by change in occupation (no longer employed). Our current analyses span a larger period (2013-22), and we are exploring additional mediators of this effect, such as behavioural and social activity-related variables. Additional analyses to control for unrelated disease (low biological plausibility) and a social isolation index, described in the literature, are added. Furthermore, we analyse the longitudinal association between loneliness and healthcare use, such as polypharmacy and consults. With this study, we aim to contribute decision-making in health in all policies, by increasing integration between health and social sectors, while considering different regional and welfare policies. Key messages • Understanding socio-economic and welfare mechanisms which impact health in the elderly allows for better cross-sector policy design, promoting healthier ageing. • Persistent feelings of loneliness affect disease development in the elderly, which appear to be worsened in some EU welfare groups, independently of socio-economic status.

Temporal Trends in Dementia Incidence in Sweden: Insights from NEAR Data

Abstract Background This study investigates the temporal trends of dementia incidence in Sweden over a span of 35 years, drawing on data from the National E-Infrastructure for Aging Research (NEAR). Methods Our comprehensive analysis encompassed over 10,000 participants aged 50 and above. We estimated dementia incidence rates across the study period, considering birth cohort, age, and sex while controlling for potential confounders. Additionally. We explored potential modifiers influencing the estimated trend of dementia incidence. Results The analysis reveals a notable decline in dementia incidence rates, particularly among individuals born in more recently. Octogenarians born in the 1920-1930 cohort had a 74% lower dementia incidence rate compared to their counterparts born before 1900. Similarly, nonagenarians born in the 1910-1920 cohort experienced a 45% lower incidence rate. We further investigate determinants influencing this declining trend, shedding light on various factors shaping the observed patterns. Conclusions The incidence rate of dementia in Sweden has shown a consistent decline over the past 35 years, with a notable birth cohort effect indicating lower rates among individuals born more recently. This finding suggests evolving factors in lifestyle, healthcare, or environmental conditions contributing to improved cognitive health outcomes. Key Messages • These findings underscore the importance of proactive public health measures aimed at sustaining and enhancing cognitive health outcomes among aging populations. • Understanding the temporal dynamics and underlying factors driving these trends can inform strategies for promoting healthy aging and improving the quality of life for older adults.

Interrupted learning across the lifespan

Continued learning opportunities are important for adaptation across the lifespan. Interrupted learning (e.g., “summer slide”) is a known, critical issue for childhood education. This perspective piece proposes that adulthood could be a period of prolonged interrupted learning with reduced learning opportunities, despite the known importance of lifelong learning. This idea goes beyond calls for healthy older adults to lead an active life to maintain cognitive abilities and to maintain basic functional skills by highlighting important lifespan circumstances that may hinder or facilitate adaptation in new and changing environments. We explore how research on interrupted learning in childhood could be applied to later adulthood and how changes in learning are viewed differently for children and adults. In addition, research on increasing abilities during childhood generally focuses on specific skills (e.g., reading, math), whereas cognitive aging research focuses on more general cognitive abilities related to attention and memory. Finally, given that interrupted learning occurs unevenly across different ages, abilities, and resources, more can be investigated in terms of who interrupted learning affects across the lifespan, and the neural underpinnings of interrupted learning. Acknowledging and addressing interrupted learning across the lifespan may promote long-term thriving and avoid preventable deficits and decline.

Enhancing the diversity and productivity of scientists in aging research: contributions of the Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research, 2018–2023

ABSTRACT The Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) is a flagship education, training, and development program of the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) focused on increasing the number and diversity of researchers in aging. We sought to assess the program’s contributions to geriatric and gerontology education by examining the scientific productivity of 294 RCMAR scientists who received pilot funding from the program during the last complete grant cycle, 2018 to 2023. Across the 18 funded sites, the scientists obtained 53 NIH grants and 29 NIA-specific grants. They published 281 manuscripts, of which 141 were noted as direct outcomes of the pilot funding and support received through the program. Findings indicated that the RCMAR program in its last cycle succeeded in promoting education and scientific career development of researchers from diverse backgrounds and researchers focused on health disparities to conduct transdisciplinary social and behavioral aging research.

Collagen Type VII (COL7A1) as a Longevity Mediator in Caenorhabditis elegans: Anti-Aging Effects on Healthspan Extension and Skin Collagen Synthesis

Longevity genes and senescence-related signaling proteins are crucial targets in aging research, which aims to enhance the healthy period and quality of life. Identifying these target proteins remains challenging because of the need for precise categorization and validation methods. Our multifaceted approach combined bioinformatics with transcriptomic data to identify collagen as a key element associated with the lifespan of the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. By analyzing transcriptomic data from long-lived mutants that involved mechanisms such as antioxidation, dietary restriction, and genetic background, we identified collagen as a common longevity-associated gene. We validated these findings by confirming that collagen peptides positively affect lifespan, thereby strengthening the validity of the target. Further verification through healthspan factors in C. elegans and functional assays in skin fibroblasts provided additional evidence of the role of collagen in organismal aging. Specifically, our study revealed that collagen type VII is a significant target protein for mitigating age-related decline. By validating these findings across different aging models and cell-based studies, we present compelling evidence for the anti-aging effects of collagen type VII, highlighting its potential as a target for promoting healthy aging. This study proposes that collagen not only serves as an indicative marker of organismal longevity across various senescence-related signaling pathways, but also offers a mechanistic understanding of skin degeneration. Consequently, collagen is an effective target for interventions aimed at mitigating skin aging. This study underscores the potential of collagen type VII (bonding collagen T7) as a therapeutic target for enhancing skin health and overall longevity.