Center for Healthy Aging Research

We help people live healthier, longer lives

Uncovering answers to health and well-being across the lifespan

We take pride in the opportunity to look at the complex science behind the aging process to answer tough questions that help improve the human experience.

The Center for Healthy Aging Research (CHAR) is a place where experts come together from across disciplines to approach the aging process at all levels.

From studying how diets influence cellular metabolism to physical activity levels and the quality of our relationships, we dig deep to understand how biological, psychological, social and physical factors affect the aging process.

This leads to discovering new methods for preventing disease and ensuring older adults are able to live healthy and fulfilling lives — on their own terms.

Expertise is at our core

CHAR is organized into four core research areas, each led by a distinguished expert.

LIFE Lines Newsletter

In this issue

CHAR Changes:
Director retires; newsletter reboot.

In the news:
Gerontology conference; OSU Distinguished Professors.

Faculty spotlight:
CHAR welcomes new faculty members.

Download LIFE Lines

LIFE Registry

Any adult age 50 or older who lives in Oregon is welcome to volunteer for the LIFE Registry to join our research studies. Your participation will help us conduct research to inform policy, create programs and develop strategies that meet the needs of older individuals, their families and society.

Research scholarship

The LIFE Scholars Summer Research Program, sponsored by The Center for Healthy Aging Research, provides an opportunity for students to work with a faculty member to develop research skills and an understanding of opportunities in science and research.

Military Life Course

Access study specific documents, longitudinal studies, publications, network meeting documents and other resources at Military Life Course.

Intergenerational Contact Survey

Researchers at Oregon State and Ohio State develop Intergenerational Contact Survey

Karen Hooker, Shannon Jarrott (Ohio State), Shelbie Turner, and John Geldhof were funded by the Foundation for Aging to develop reliable and valid measures of intergenerational contact.

This is important so that we can better understand how older adults and younger adults view their connections with people in a different generation. More intergenerational contact is an avenue for addressing some of the most complex issues of our times, such as housing and mental health.

The surveys and administration and scoring procedure for the surveys are here and are free for use with notification of the research team (hookerk@oregonstate.edu).

Download Intergenerational Contact (IGC) Survey