Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC)

Established in 1997, "the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study is an interdisciplinary study focused on risk factors for the decline of function in healthier older persons, particularly change in body composition with age.  The study was designed to address differences in onset of functional limitation, disability and longevity between older men and women as well as between Blacks and Whites. The study has employed a variety of methods to insure timely progression in the planning of the study from its inception. Retention in the study has been excellent with 99% of enrollees accounted for. About 2,100 persons completed the first six of the yearly examinations and 1,400 completed all eight contract-sponsored in-clinic examinations. This study should allow broadening of the perspective on biomedical contributors to independence, function and frailty, major areas of interest at NIA, as well as the interaction of frailty with comorbidity and mortality." (https://healthabc.nia.nih.gov/)