Exploring the positive effects of solitude on healthy aging
Official title: Promoting Health Aging through Semantic Enrichment of Solitude Research (PHASES)
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10941568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how spending time alone can help people in midlife and older age feel happier and healthier, and it’s for anyone interested in how solitude can improve emotional well-being as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $792,003 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG088074-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941568 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are interested in the psychological aspects of solitude.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 65 years of age or those who do not experience solitude may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how solitude can contribute to healthy aging, particularly among midlife and older adults. It aims to bridge the gap between existing studies on solitude and gerotranscendence, which focuses on psychological connectedness in aging. By examining various factors that influence the experience of solitude, the project seeks to enhance our understanding of its role in promoting emotional well-being and psychological health. The research will involve evaluating personal choices, health-related factors, and external circumstances to provide a comprehensive view of solitude's impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and well-being strategies for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the benefits of solitude for older adults, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beverley, John — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Beverley, John
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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.