Active aging

A society with long-lived population, there is a need for information about the development of the population's health, functional ability, and activity, as well as the factors that determine them and their consequences. Our goal is to through research support independence, activity, and well-being in different life stages, taking into account individuals' diverse resources.

 We investigate aging from a multidisciplinary perspective encompassing biology, psychology, and social aspects. Our belief is that by supporting people's resources and optimizing environmental factors, we can enhance the quality of life across various life stages. 

Our research covers topics such as living environments and mobility, along with assessment methods. We explore the significance of various exposures, events, and lifestyle choices on physical, psychological, and social functional capacity, health, and well-being during middle age and old age. 

Biological aging differences are examined in terms of epigenetic and genetic factors, hormone changes, and mechanisms of gerastenia. 

We investigate the importance of health prevention, rehabilitation, and compensation in promoting activity and physical apacity, as well as in supporting brain health and psychological well-being.  

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Research groups

Research group

Biogerontology and Translational Health Research – Eija Laakkonen's research group

menopause, estrogen,non-coding RNA-molecules, biomarkers, Lynch syndrome, cancer research
Research group

Technological assessment of physical activity for health

We develop technological methods for the measurement of physical activity for research and practice to enhance understanding of the benefits of physical activity on health.
Research group

The interaction between genetics and lifestyle in promoting health and preventing diseases – Elina Sillanpää's research group

We investigate genetic and lifestyle factors that predict biological aging, health, and functional capacity.
Research group

von Bonsdorff: Healthy and Active Ageing

Ageing research; Healthy ageing; Active ageing; Epidemiology; Public health; Functioning; Frailty; Physical activity; Senior housing; Social gerontology; Multidisciplinary research

Research projects

Project

Ageing, Environment and Functioning (ENVIS-AGE)

The ENVIS-AGE is a strategic profiling area supporting JYU’s strategic goal to reach world's leading edge in the designated research areas of human wellbeing.
Project

Athlete aging study - ATHLAS

Athlete model approach to understand the benefits of different types of regular exercise on functional capacity and musculoskeletal health in old age.
Project

Enforced reduction in physical activity and recovery in older adults (the ENDURE study)

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect >70 year-olds, quarantine strategies were adopted in Finland and elsewhere. This has increased the need to understand and minimize the adverse effects of reduced physical activity in older adults.
Project

Estrogen, menopause and physical performance (ERMA) -study

The ERMA-study examines the molecular biological, physiological and psychological changes associated with menopause, as well as the importance of lifestyles from the perspective of menopause changes.
Project

Estrogen, microRNAs and the risk of metabolic dysfunction (EsmiRs) -study

The EsmiRs-study investigates the biological mechanisms behind menopause-related adverse health changes.
Project

LaVirE-study

LaVirE-study is a joint study between the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ and Central Finland welbeing county's hosipital Nova. It investigates treatment responses to pelvic floor surgeries and post-treatment lifestyle habits.
Project

Living with Dementia

What it means to live with dementia and what is sustainable care for people with demantia and their familycarers.
Project

Lynch syndrome, Lifestyle habits and Biomarkers -study

The research project investigates the links between lifestyle and various biomolecules measured in the bloodstream with cancer risk.
Project

Menopause-Associated differences in Transporter Complex HDL’s composition and function (MATCH) -study

MATCH investigates the potential menopause-associated changes in the composition and function of high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL).
Project

Paving the way for healthy aging (FINeFI)

The aim of the study is to develop an electronic frailty index that will help to identify high-risk individuals as early as possible, so that they can be referred to the right treatment and rehabilitation.
Project

Polygenic Risk Scores, Physical Activity and Causality in Cardiometabolic Diseases (GenActive)

The GenActive study investigates causal relationships between genetic predisposition, physical activity, and cardiometabolic diseases.
Project

Resetting the Aging Clock with Exercise (AGE-X)

This project investigates associations of biological aging and lifestyles, especially physical activity, utilizing genetically controlled twin designs.