Reimagining Aging

Getting older is getting better

We’re all aging—and in greater numbers than ever before. Soon, we’ll have more people over the age of 65 than under the age of five, creating massive change in how people live, learn, and work worldwide. But we’re uncovering how aging people and societies can be stronger than ever.

The Harvard Chan School is putting a finer lens on the how and why of aging. From digging into deep cellular mechanisms, to uncovering new patterns in decades of data, to understanding how connecting with others keeps us thriving, we’re unlocking possibilities for lives that are not just longer, but also healthier and happier.

There’s never been a better time to get old. And we’re just getting started.

Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies

As a University-wide initiative, the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies brings together scientists from all corners of the Harvard campus—and beyond—to make exciting advances in population research. With seven and a half billion people living on the planet and a projected nine and a half billion by 2050, their focus is on examining the most nuanced trends and important challenges in this century.

Perspective: COVID-19 highlights pressing need to better understand immunity, particularly in elderly

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of aging populations to emerging diseases and underscores the significant need to better understand immunity and vaccine response among the elderly, according to an April 17, 2020 New England Journal of Medicine Perspective piece co-authored…

Healthy habits in middle age may reduce women’s stroke risk

Adopting a healthy lifestyle in middle age may significantly reduce the risk of stroke in women, according to new research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study analyzed data from nearly 60,000 women who participated in the Nurses’ Health…

Study of lipid metabolism in neurons may offer therapeutic possibilities for neurodegenerative diseases

For immediate release: April 13, 2020 Boston, MA – Disrupting the production of a class of lipids known as sphingolipids in neurons improved symptoms of neurodegeneration and increased survival in a mouse model, according to new research led by the joint laboratory…

Gaining insight into women's health

Could an app help scientists better understand menstruation, fertility, and menopause? On the latest episode of This Week in Health, Shruthi Mahalingaiah and JP Onnela talk about the groundbreaking Apple Women’s Health Study. Shruthi Mahalingaiah, an assistant professor of environmental, reproductive, and women’s health, and JP…

Following healthy lifestyle habits at middle age may increase years lived free of chronic diseases

For immediate release: Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Boston, MA – Maintaining five healthy habits—eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy body weight, not drinking too much alcohol, and not smoking—at middle-age may increase years lived free of type 2 diabetes,…