NIA Home > About NIA > Strategic Plan > Research Goal A
Social support and continued involvement in useful activities have been shown to foster positive effects on health and longevity. In contrast, studies have associated lack of social connectedness with significant increased risk for poor health and death. Being part of an active network also increases the opportunity for productive activities, whether paid or volunteer. For most older men and women, a substantial amount of productive work and contributions continue throughout life. Identification of valued roles and continued social integration have been associated with positive health outcomes and self-assessed well being. Similarly, other aspects of health behaviors and lifestyles have been associated with important health outcomes.
Close links have been established between lifestyles and health outcomes. We hope to learn how to ensure that people will initiate beneficial behavior changes, and also sustain these choices over the long term. This effort is especially important for older individuals, who are at increased risk for multiple pathologies, disability, and functional limitations, which may keep them from fully engaging in the world around them.
Improvements in acute and long-term health care for older people are essential, including strategies to ease the burdens of caregivers and enhance quality of care at home and in different long-term care settings. These initiatives should result in more effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Objectives include:
| Disclaimer | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Site Map