The Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (iBAM) at the University of Minnesota is conducting research into the biology of aging. The institute is located in Nils Hasselmo Hall and houses six faculty members. It employs over 100 students, postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, and research assistant professors. Laura Niedernhofer, M.D., and Paul Robbins, both experts in geroscience, oversee the institute.
Geroscience is a new field that studies the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of aging. It aims to understand why aging is a major risk factor for chronic conditions and diseases in older people. Niedernhofer and Robbins joined the University of Minnesota in 2018 from Scripps Research. They aim to make the university a leader in geroscience. Their goal is to treat aging itself to slow or prevent diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
Recent demographic trends highlight the importance of their work. In April 2023, the CDC reported that the average American life expectancy had increased to 76.4 years, up from 69.84 in 1960. The number of older individuals is growing, especially in Minnesota. The state now has more people aged 65 and older than school-aged children. The population aged 85 and above is expected to triple between 2030 and 2050, particularly in rural areas.
Other countries like Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Japan have launched public health initiatives to increase their populations' health spans. However, a recent New York Times opinion piece suggests that Americans can only expect to enjoy one healthy year after they turn 65. The Congressional Budget Office projects that spending on long-term services and support for the 65+ population will more than double from 1.3 percent of GDP in 2010 to 3 percent in 2050.
The work of Niedernhofer, Robbins, and their colleagues at iBAM is crucial. As Niedernhofer points out, the number of individuals over the age of 65 is increasing. This has significant implications for society, the economy, and healthcare. The challenge is to ensure that as people live longer, they also live healthier lives, free from diseases and conditions that can make old age difficult.
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