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Informed Aging

In Focus

Informed Aging

The Harvard community explores the physical, spiritual, and intellectual aspects of growing older.

Research to grow old with

Adjustments for healthy aging


An older woman with hiking sticks

Stay active

Research by the Harvard community, including evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman and research associate Dong Hoon Lee, have found that regular exercise can help increase lifespans and decrease chronic health risks. Research around Alzheimer’s in particular has shown that exercise helps to generate new neurons and improve cognition in mice.

Carrots and strawberries

Better understand your diet

Harvard researchers found that, in women, a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlated with longer telomeres, one of the biomarkers of aging. A study of older men showed that those who maintain healthier diets are 25% less likely to develop physical impairment with aging. In general, our research points to the fact that choosing healthy foods is key to reducing the risk of premature death.

Mindset and spirituality

Research shows that our outlook on life, death, grief, and faith can shape how we age in interesting ways.

How can a positive attitude impact aging?

Feeling secure in retirement

Leaving the workforce is a major financial and psychological decision. Our experts explore ways to ensure success during that transition.

An elderly couple walk through a wooded path

How retirement changes your identity

Important psychological shifts take place leading up to, and during, retirement. That holds especially true for workers who identify strongly with their job and organization.

How retirement changes your identity
  • Harvard Kennedy School

How do unpredictable shifts impact older workers?

How do unpredictable shifts impact older workers?
  • Harvard Division of Continuing Education

Remaining a lifelong learner

Remaining a lifelong learner
  • Harvard Kennedy School

Saving for retirement

Saving for retirement
  • Harvard Medical School

Is there a place for dignity in eldercare?

Is there a place for dignity in eldercare?
  • Harvard Business School

Reinventing your career

Reinventing your career

Designing an aging friendly world