Understanding how aging affects the ability to work and finding ways to help.

Identifying Targets for Interventions to Improve Functional Ability to Work over the Life Course

['FUNDING_R01'] · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · NIH-11056765

This study looks at how getting older affects our ability to work and aims to find ways to help older adults stay active and engaged in their jobs by improving their mental, physical, and social skills.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorHARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11056765 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how aging impacts the functional abilities necessary for work, focusing on cognitive, physical, and psychosocial factors. It aims to identify which specific ability losses most significantly affect work capacity and whether public health interventions can prevent or restore these losses. By analyzing data and methods from disability assessments, the project seeks to develop effective, low-cost interventions to improve the work capacity of older adults. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance healthy aging by enabling continued engagement in productive activities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be experiencing declines in their functional abilities related to work.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or those who do not have any functional impairments related to work may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that help older adults maintain their ability to work and engage in meaningful activities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying interventions for maintaining functional abilities in older adults, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.