Studies of gender differences and individual variability in age- related phenomena are being carried out to: 1) determine the normal range of variability in human aging, 2) identify potential sources of variability which may be responsive to intervention, and 3) determine if there are subgroups of individuals who are more susceptible or resistant to various aspects of aging. The research combines the use of sophisticated statistical methodologies and the unique time depth and multidisciplinary breadth of the existing BLSA data base to examine issues related to the concepts of normal and successful aging, as well as to increase the power of traditional research designs. The statistical methods used include longitudinal regression models, time dependent proportional hazards analysis, and finite mixture models. Results from these models can provide contributions to the theoretical and methodological development of biomedical risk factor studies, as well as to an increased understanding of the dynamics of the aging process. Research is in progress to develop more refined methods of studying variability in aging in order to find theoretically and methodologically sound approaches to risk factor analysis which account for changes in an individuals covariates over time and the possibility that individuals differ in susceptibility or resistance to aging process.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Scientific Cores Intramural Research (ZIC)
Project #
1ZICAG000637-21
Application #
8149662
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
21
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$126,830
Indirect Cost
Name
National Institute on Aging
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
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