NORC at the University of Chicago
Lessons Learned from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project
Healthy aging is an important goal of older adults. The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) research study @NORC at the University of Chicago aims to add to our understanding of healthy aging. NSHAP is a longitudinal, population-based study focused on the links between the social world and health. Researchers with NSHAP define health broadly to include physical health and illness, cognitive function, emotional well-being sensory function, and health behaviors. By social well-being, they mean social connectedness, social relationships, social networks, social participation, and sexuality. The research findings provide insights for older adults who want to improve their health or maintain good health, health care providers with older patients, and policymakers.