Welcome to the website of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the component of the National Institutes of Health devoted to improving the health of older people.

Never before have so many people lived for so long. Life expectancy has nearly doubled over the last century, and today there are 35 million Americans age 65 and older. The aging of the population -- in past decades and in the foreseeable future -- presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Our aim is to learn the secrets contributing to a healthy old age and to understand the increased risk of disease and disability associated with growing older. With these goals in mind, NIA’s research program covers a broad range of areas, from the study of basic cellular changes with age to the examination of the biomedical, social, and behavioral aspects of age-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.

I invite you to explore our website for valuable health information and to find out more about the exciting work of NIA researchers and the community of scientists engaged in aging research. For the general public and health professionals, we offer consumer-oriented information on a wide range of topics important to older people and their families as well as a description of our research program. Scientists will find detailed information on areas of research and funding opportunities.

We thank you for your interest in aging research.

Director, NIA

We welcome your questions and comments. Please send general questions and comments to the NIA Webmaster. Please read our Web site Disclaimer and Privacy Statement.