Research
& Insights
RIALA SLI’s research and insights initiatives are dedicated to advancing senior care through comprehensive, evidence-based research. By partnering with academia and collaborating with a range of industry and nonprofit organizations, RIALA SLI undertakes in-depth studies to address the evolving challenges and needs of older adults. These research efforts are further strengthened through collaborations with state and national senior living organizations, aiming to set new benchmarks and improve care quality across the industry.
Through the integration of academic research and industry expertise, RIALA SLI produces actionable data and insights that are disseminated across the sector. This collaborative approach not only informs policy development but also drives the implementation of best practices in senior living. By continuously advancing industry standards and focusing on practical solutions, RIALA SLI contributes significantly to enhancing the overall health, well-being, and quality of life for older adults.
Scientific Advances
Combination of healthy lifestyle traits may substantially reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk
An NIA-supported study found that adopting multiple healthy lifestyle choices—such as exercise, not smoking, moderate drinking, a good diet, and mental activities—can significantly lower Alzheimer’s risk. Data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) and the Memory and Aging Project (MAP) revealed that having two to three of these factors reduced the risk by 37%, and four to five factors cut it by 60%. These results suggest lifestyle changes might help prevent or slow Alzheimer's, though further research is needed.
Blood test shows promise in predicting pre-symptomatic disease progression in people at risk of familial Alzheimer's
An NIA-funded study found that measuring the protein neurofilament light chain (NfL) in blood can predict Alzheimer’s disease progression in individuals at risk for familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD). NfL levels increased up to 16 years before symptom onset, with higher levels indicating closer to symptom onset and correlating with other Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. This suggests blood tests for NfL could offer a less invasive, more accessible method for predicting Alzheimer’s risk compared to current, more invasive procedures.
Lower blood pressure target greatly reduces cardiovascular complications and deaths in older adults
An NIH-funded study, supported by NIA and known as the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), found that intensive blood pressure management in adults aged 50 and older significantly reduced cardiovascular disease and death rates. The study showed that targeting a lower blood pressure than commonly recommended cut cardiovascular events—like heart attack and stroke—by nearly a third and reduced death risk by almost a quarter. These findings influenced the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology’s 2017 hypertension guidelines.
Older Adults: Evidence-Based Research
Being Happy in Old Age: Reasons, Methods and Challenges
This study highlights the importance of happiness for subjective well-being and notes that most people seek happiness. It identifies key contributors to happiness—health, family, social support, finances, work, independence, and generosity—and discusses how aging can impact happiness in various ways. Emphasizing the benefits of happiness, the paper advocates for exploring these influences and supporting individuals in their pursuit of sustained happiness.
The Health and Retirement Study on Aging in the 21st Century
An aging population, due to longer life expectancies and smaller family sizes, presents challenges such as a rising number of retirees and an increased burden of dementia. The Baby Boom generation's retirement amplifies these issues, highlighting the urgent need for accurate data on aging. This report presents a combination of longitudinal data
 on health, retirement, disability, resources, and family support, offering unprecedented opportunities to analyze and gain insight into aging.
Hearing Loss and Physical Activity Among Older Adults in the United States
This study explores the relationship between hearing loss, hearing aid use, and physical activity among older adults using 2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study data. Analysis of 504 participants revealed that worse hearing correlated with reduced physical activity and increased activity fragmentation. The research findings suggest that hearing loss negatively affects physical activity, underscoring the need for effective hearing interventions to support active aging.
Videos for Health Professionals
How Alzheimer's Changes the Brain
The Emotional Benefits of Exercise
Is Forgetfulness Normal or Not?
Our Commitment
Advance Senior Care Research
Enhance senior care through evidence-based research in partnership with academia and industry experts.
Set New Industry Benchmarks
Collaborate with state and national senior living organizations to set benchmarks and improve care quality.
Generate Actionable Insights
Produce actionable data that inform policy development and drive the adoption of best practices in senior living.
Enhance Quality of Life
Advance industry standards to significantly enhance health and quality of life for older adults.