Our world is aging. The number of people over age 60 is projected to double from 550 million in 1996 to 1.2 billion by 2025. Within this phenomenon lie opportunities and challenges from the molecular to societal levels. The Center for Healthy Aging Research is a community of Oregon State scholars committed to investigating and unleashing the potential of older adults. Established in 2005 as one of Oregon State University’s strategic investment initiatives, the Center for Healthy Aging Research plans, coordinates, and conducts collaborative, multidisciplinary studies designed to optimize the health and well-being of aging individuals and their families.
The Center has attracted many of Oregon State’s most innovative scientists. Researchers from multiple academic departments, units and centers collaborate in the study of the aging. The Center for Healthy Aging Research also promotes high quality professional programs in health care, housing, and social options for the aging population with a focus on interdisciplinary efforts.
Researchers affiliated with the Center are organized into four interrelated, interdisciplinary cores: Diet and Genes Core, Musculoskeletal Core, Psychosocial Core, and Gerontechnology Core. Uniting these perspectives, the Center for Healthy Aging Research is uniquely poised to revolutionize the science of healthy aging. The Center also supports pilot research, and has funded 19 projects since its inception in 2005. In addition, the Center supports a human subject registry, known as “the LIFE Registry”, which allows Oregon residents over 50 to participate in and learn about our healthy aging research.
The Center community is committed to expanding, translating, and disseminating knowledge of the science of aging. There are numerous opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to learn about aging and receive training in scientific procedures related to their disciplines. From collaborative research to engaging colloquia, students experience the science of aging in an interdisciplinary context. As a vital part of Oregon’s land grant university, the Center for Healthy Aging Research delivers the practical implications of research findings to citizens through Extension specialists and field faculty. The Center allows for the sustained coordination of efforts designed to go beyond individual research agendas and enhance interdisciplinary research in aging at Oregon State University, enhancing the lives of all Oregonians.
