An Integrated Approach to Inflammaging in Northern and Aboriginal Communities

Scientists often work in isolation of the people and communities that are affected by what they are studying, and communities often believe that their perspectives and interests are very different from what is likely to interest a scientist. We believe that it is critical to integrate these seemingly distinct approaches to get closer to the heart of the complex interaction between personal, social, economic, and biological influences that affect the health of older people living in Northern and Aboriginal communities. "Inflammaging" (the influence of inflammation on the aging process) contributes significantly to poor health and declining function among older adults in general, and specifically in Northern and Aboriginal communities. Dementia and chronic lung disease are both associated with inflammatory processes and are all-too-common problems affecting older adults in these communities. Our research team will develop ways to predict how these common diseases are likely to impact on our daily lives, and develop assessment tools for clinicians to be able to advise the individual of his or her own risk for loss of independence. Finally, the study will develop ways to delay the impact of disability associated with dementia and chronic lung disease. The results of this research could be widely applied to other common diseases affecting older people and could ultimately lead to a scientifically validated, community-based integrated approach to healthy aging developed in, by, and for Northern and Aboriginal communities.