What We Do
Scientists and clinicians from across Johns Hopkins are working to increase the length of time that older adults spend in good health without cognitive or functional decline. Toward that end, the Human Aging Project supports scholars working in the essential fields of biology, geriatrics, clinical care and engineering to collaboratively develop scientific proposals and technological solutions that promote independence and prevent and treat conditions that impact function and cognition of older adults.
Meeting an Escalating Global Aging Need
In almost every region of the globe, the population of older adults is burgeoning. Over the next 30 years, the number of people over age 60 will increase by approximately 70% in more developed regions, and by 400%—from 374 million to 1.6 billion—in less developed regions. A rapid rise in many chronic diseases related to aging, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic lung disease will accompany this population growth.
With this change, the degenerative conditions related to aging, including chronic diseases, are eclipsing all else as the primary cause of poor health, disability, and death around the world. Because aging-related conditions are so diverse and complex, a comprehensive response that integrates deep biological understanding with the power of engineering and clinical translational approaches is needed in order to help overcome the challenges to healthy aging.
Our Mission
Guided by the principles of caring and equitable access to scientific and medical advances, we seek to discover and apply innovative biological, engineering, and clinical solutions that promote healthy, dignified and joyful aging for all.
OUR VISION
We envision a world in which all older adults are able to live long, healthy and meaningful lives, in which age-related functional and cognitive decline are minimized and personal independence is increasingly the norm.
Our Strategy
- Conduct groundbreaking research that will improve health and increase longevity for all.
- Translate and broadly disseminate research and clinical findings.
- Educate and train biologists, engineers, and clinical scientists to contribute at the interface of health and aging.