Department of Epidemiology  |  Graduate School of Public Health  |  Institute on Aging  |  University of Pittsburgh

The Center for Aging and Population Health strives to generate new solutions to the challenges of an aging society through the conduct of population-based research that promotes healthy aging, longevity, and prevention of disability. Building on the resources of the University of Pittsburgh’s department of Epidemiology, the CAPH orchestrates epidemiologic and public health research on aging, train professionals in population research methodology, and conduct community outreach. These efforts are collaborative within the University and the community and engage older adults as valued resources in society. Thus, the focus of the CAPH is to optimize health in older adults by emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention.

The center is directed by Anne B. Newman, MD, MPH, Professor of Epidemiology, internationally renowned for her work in the epidemiology of aging, longevity and disability. This research has established the clear potential for old age to be a productive and active period of life. Previously, aging research has focused on prevention of advanced disability. While this is an important goal, Dr. Newman has demonstrated that the biologic potential for healthy aging far exceeds previous expectations. Her research has shifted the paradigm of prevention research to target optimal rather than usual aging.

The CAPH has established as its aims to:

• Generate population-based longitudinal studies and intervention trials in older adults that incorporate new techniques in genetics, imaging and advanced laboratory diagnostic methods to identify opportunities to optimize health and function with aging.



• Recruit new scientists and nurture current faculty with expertise in aging research.



• Encourage and stimulate multidisciplinary research collaboration within the Graduate School of Public Health, and at Schools of the Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh as well as other quality research institutions in the United States and around the world.



• Provide a mechanism for new, continuing and expanded research funding in the epidemiology of aging and longevity including grants management and biostatistical support.



• Sustain the Health Studies Office as the clinical facility infrastructure for population-based aging research.



• Provide academic training in aging research for pre and post-doctoral graduate students in the epidemiology of aging through course work, field experience, and mentoring.



• Establish and expand community outreach programs in disease prevention and the promotion of healthy aging.