Exploring how early life experiences affect mortality in older adults
Uncovering Life Course Constellations of Exposures through Big Data on Place, Time, and Family Factors
This study looks at how things like childhood illnesses, economic ups and downs, and natural disasters affect how long people born in the early 1900s live, using a huge amount of data to find connections between their early experiences and their health later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11079643 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of childhood exposures to diseases, economic changes, and natural disasters on the mortality of individuals born in the early 20th century. By utilizing big data, the study aims to analyze over 15 million death records to uncover patterns and correlations between early life factors and later life outcomes. The research combines various methodologies, including hypothesis-driven tests and data-driven discoveries, to deepen our understanding of how these exposures shape mortality profiles as individuals age. The interdisciplinary team will focus on specific aims that connect early life experiences with health outcomes in older adulthood.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals born between 1910 and 1930, particularly those who experienced significant childhood exposures during that time.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 years old or those not born in the early 20th century may not receive benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into how early life conditions influence health in later years, potentially guiding public health interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in linking early life exposures to later health outcomes, suggesting that this approach has the potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fletcher, Jason Michael — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Fletcher, Jason Michael
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.