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Behavioral and Social Research (BSR)

The BSR Program supports basic social and behavioral research and research training on the processes of aging at both the individual and societal level. It focuses on the following: 

  • How people change during the adult lifespan
  • Interrelationships between older people and social institutions
  • The societal impact of the changing age composition of the population

Emphasis is placed on: (1) the dynamic interplay between individuals' aging; (2) their changing biomedical, social, and physical environments; and (3) multilevel interactions among psychological, physiological, social, and cultural levels.

BSR supports research, training, and the development of research resources and methodologies to produce a scientific knowledge base for maximizing active life and health expectancy. This knowledge base is required for informed and effective public policy, professional practice, and everyday life. BSR also encourages the translation of behavioral and social research into practical applications.

Associate Director: Richard Suzman, Ph.D.

Areas of Emphasis
Research initiatives focusing on: (1) Health Disparities; (2) Aging Minds; (3) Increasing Health Expectancy; (4) Health, Work, and Retirement; (5) Interventions and Behavior Change; (6) Genetics, Behavior, and the Social Environment; and (7) The Burden of Illness and the Efficiency of Health Systems.  
 

Current Funding Opportunities
Funding mechanisms including Requests for Applications and Program Announcements such as R21-Exploratory/Development Grants.  
 

Programs
BSR research programs focusing on individual behavioral processes and population and social processes. The BSR Office of Research Resources and Development coordinates and implements initiatives related to research data and resources.   
 

Resources
Databases, datasets, books, reports, and Web sites providing additional information on the behavior and sociology of aging.   
 

Conference and Meeting Materials
Materials including agendas, handouts, and meeting summaries from workshops and meetings related to aging research.  
 

For more information about BSR, contact: BSRquery@NIA.NIH.GOV.