Understanding successful aging

A remarkable Harvard-based study, "The Study of Adult Development," is the longest ever study of factors that contribute to healthy aging. For the past 68 years, researchers have collected information on two separate groups of men. The goal was to determine both the psychological traits and social factors that characterized those who later become vigorous and engaged octogenarians.

The Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center was pleased to be able to help Program Director, Dr. Robert Waldinger, expand the Study of Adult Development in a new direction. First, we are broadening the amount and type of data collected. Second, we are establishing an unprecedented resource for scientists seeking to understand the factors that contribute to long, healthy lives.

Specifically, Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center funding and support is being used to add genetic and neuroscience data to the ongoing study.

Dr. Waldinger is collecting a host of new data from each participant in the Study of Adult Development, including genetic information, results of sensitive tests regarding intellectual functioning, neuroimaging of brain structure and function, and ultimately a brain autopsy findings. This extensive set of new data will permit investigators to pursue many fundamental questions about the aging process. For example:  how do genetic and environmental factors interact to determine which individuals remain intellectually and physically active during their 9th and 10th decades of life?

Second generation study of aging

Every two years, participants in the Study of Adult Development provided information about their family life throughout their children's childhood and early adult lives. We will now begin to collect data on the genetics, cognitive functioning, and social functioning for the more than 1,000 children of the study's participants. This information will allow us to examine the links between early life development and aging in a large sample.