Investigating the aging experience in rural communities
THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS STUDY OF RURAL AGING
This study is looking at what factors influence aging in people living in rural areas, like the Great Smoky Mountains, by gathering health and lifestyle information from folks in their early 40s over six months, so we can better understand their unique experiences as they grow older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015867 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the early determinants of aging among individuals living in rural areas, specifically through the Great Smoky Mountains Study of Rural Aging. It involves collecting comprehensive health, cognitive, social, and economic data from participants in their early 40s, utilizing in-home assessments and ongoing evaluations over six months. Participants will engage in various assessments, including neurocognitive tasks and actigraphy, to monitor their health and wellness in real-time. The study aims to create a national data resource that reflects the unique aging experiences of rural populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who participated in the original Great Smoky Mountains Study and are currently in their early 40s.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history with the Great Smoky Mountains Study or are not in the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into the factors that influence healthy aging in rural settings, potentially leading to improved health interventions and policies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies focusing on rural aging have shown promise in understanding health disparities, suggesting that this approach could yield significant findings.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Copeland, William — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Copeland, William
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.