Award
National Institute on Aging 5K01AG081842-04
Measuring stress and epigenetic aging among Black older adults in longitudinal studies of aging
Recipient
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Award Amount
$145,110.00
Ceiling
$145,110.00
Awarded
June 30, 2026
Identifier
5K01AG081842-04
This award funds a project at the University of Southern California to study stress and epigenetic aging among Black older adults using longitudinal studies. The research aims to improve aging measures and understand biological aging processes through epigenetic research, with training components and outcomes supporting future research funding.
Description
The proposed project compares the stress, anthropometric, biological, and epigenetic age profiles of older adults across age cohorts in both the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Study of Longevity and Stress in African American Families (SOLSAA). It aims to improve measures of aging in longitudinal studies and support methodological advancements in aging research by integrating medical frameworks with stress research to enhance understanding of the aging process. The project focuses on African American older adults who experience accelerated biological aging and investigates molecular responses to stressors using national datasets with multiethnic samples. Training in molecular biology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, epigenetic mechanisms, and professional development is provided, leveraging the University of Southern California’s multidisciplinary environment and networks. Outcomes include scientific publications, presentations, and preliminary data to support future R01 funding, aiming to produce more accurate assessments of biological aging and inform healthcare resource planning for older adults.