Healthy Aging Study Information

Many studies support the existence of genetic factors that influence human life span. Longevity, however, is only one component of healthy aging. Healthy aging is likely to result from the interplay of factors important in both longevity or in resistance to disease, or both. The practical goals addressed by this study of healthy aging are not necessarily to increase human longevity beyond the current normal life span, but rather to ensure that individuals live to the upper end of that life span in good health with a good quality of life.

Fewer than half of Canadians are fortunate to live to the age of 85, and only a minority of these achieve this age free of major age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes or Alzheimer's and maintain a good quality of life. Although environmental factors are also important, people who reach this age in good health may represent a group who either lack susceptibility factors that contribute to disease in the general population or may possess resistance factors that enhance their ability to resist disease and prolong lifespan.

The Genome Sciences Centre and the Cancer Control Research Unit at the British Columbia Cancer Agency, in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, are conducting this multidisciplinary study on Healthy Aging. The goal of this study is to identify genetic factors associated with healthy aging and resistance to age-related diseases.

All information obtained in this study will be kept strictly confidential.

This healthy aging study was initiated through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

If you would like to learn more about the study, please contact the project co-ordinator, Amy Thompson at 604-675-8151.