NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Functioning, Frailty, and Well-being in aging women

Official title: Functioning, Frailty, and Well-being

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11421747 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A large NIH grant is funding a study to understand how aging affects physical and mental functioning in women, with the goal of helping maintain independence and quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2020
Project endAugust 31, 2031
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,059,770
NIH project number2U19AG063720-05A1
Project IDNIH-11421747 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Women ages 65 and older who are part of the SWAN cohort or similar aging populations.

Less likely to help

Individuals not represented in the SWAN cohort or not in the target age range may not directly benefit.

What this research studies

This project uses data from a long-running study of women to follow participants into older age, focusing on how sleep, activity, urinary and sensory health, and overall function influence well-being. It builds on existing SWAN data and adds another study visit to extend follow-up into ages 75–84. The aim is to identify factors that help women stay independent and healthy as they age, considering sex-specific aging patterns.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide personalized strategies to preserve independence and well-being for aging women.

How similar studies have gone: Prior SWAN studies have yielded important insights into aging and functioning, with ongoing investigations building on this foundation.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Karvonen-Gutierrez, Carrie Anne — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Karvonen-Gutierrez, Carrie Anne

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.