The Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Care is fortunate to have multiple collaborations with researchers at UC San Diego conducting aging-related studies and projects. Some of our collaborators include:
Alison Moore, M.D.
Professor and Division Chief
Larry L. Hillblom Chair in Geriatric Medicine
Director, Stein Institute for Healthy Aging
The Center for Healthy Aging demonstrates the commitment that UC San Diego has made to the area of healthy aging. An important goal of the Center is to bring together groups at UC San Diego that are conducting clinical care or research in the area of healthy aging. We are delighted to announce that our division chief, Alison Moore, MD, MPH, has agreed to serve as Interim Director for the Stein Institute for Research on Aging and the UC San Diego Center for Healthy Aging, following the retirement of Dilip Jeste, MD, who served as director for 18 years. There is tremendous synergy between the work being done through our Division and the Stein Institute for Research on Aging/Center for Healthy Aging. We have a shared interest in improving older adults' health and well-being and encouraging more aging research to promote healthy aging and better care. As Interim Director, Dr. Moore will continue working with the Institute’s leaders to implement their strategic goals. She will also work to strengthen collaborations with the Health Sciences and General Campus academic community. Additionally, she will work to develop new initiatives that advance the aims of the Center to promote lifelong health and well-being. As a nationally recognized leader in academic geriatric medicine and as chief of our division, she is an excellent fit for this role.
Older adults are the fastest growing segment of our population.
For the first time in human history, there will be more people over 65 years old than under 5 years old. This rapidly changing demographic is happening in both developed and developing countries, creating unprecedented local and global challenges to social conditions, cultural norms and our understanding of life expectancy and healthy aging.
In the San Diego Region, the older adult population will double by 2030, the fastest growing age group is over 80 years old. This rapidly growing older adult population will be 30 % more diverse in race/ethnicity, language spoken, sexual orientation and lower SES. By 2060, nearly one in four Americans will be 65 and older, the number of 85-plus will triple, and the country will add a half million centenarians.
How will we ensure healthy aging for diverse older adults with the necessary social, civic, and economic participation necessary to lead productive and meaningful lives?
These unprecedented demographic challenges will require adaptive leadership, inclusiveness and innovation across human services, community, business, and government sectors for older adults, SDSU stakeholders, today’s youth, and community members to prepare for and enjoy the “longevity dividend” of increased life expectancy for 10 to 30 years beyond retirement age.
Center for Excellence in Aging
Dr. Aran’s research focuses on developing novel bio-microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) for research and clinical applications. In particular, she is interested in the integration of multiple engineering disciplines including electrical, mechanical, chemical, and bioengineering to create novel device solutions that address unmet clinical need. Current research topics includes developing engineering solutions to identify age and cancer-related biomarkers, utilizing functionalized material for biosensing applications and lab-on-a-chip (LOC)-based systems, drug delivery and implantable devices to improve delivery of biologics.
Digital Diagnostic Platforms
The Aran Lab’s biosensor research aims to develop novel methods utilizing a graphene-based field effect transistor to identify and capture target biological molecules for future clinical use.
Aging
Advancements in modern medicine have greatly extended human life expectancy. However, the onset of age-associated conditions is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. New and innovative solutions are needed to improve the quality of life as our population ages. The Aran Lab aims to further study the intricacies of aging through the development of novel analysis and therapeutic platforms.
Drug Delivery
The Aran Lab aims to characterize regional differences in healthy and diseased tissue and associated drug absorption. Our research works towards developing novel biosensor and microfluidics tools to better understand drug delivery and tissue parameters and developing an optimized targeted drug delivery platform to better provide therapeutics.