What is Geroscience?
Geroscience is the study of how aging increases the risk for chronic diseases — and how we can intervene in that process. Scientists in this field focus on the biology of aging to develop strategies that may help us stay healthier for longer.
Geroscience in Action
Instead of only treating Alzheimer’s, diabetes, or heart disease individually, geroscientists look at how aging increases the risk of all of these — and how slowing aging might delay or prevent them altogether.
We’re living longer than ever before — but not always healthier. Geroscience is a cutting-edge field that aims to change that by studying how we age and how we might slow the biological processes behind aging itself. Instead of fighting one disease at a time, geroscience targets the root cause behind many age-related diseases.
The Science of Healthy Aging
The Hallmarks of Aging
Scientists have identified 12 biological processes — called the “Hallmarks of Aging” — that drive how and why we age. These include things like DNA damage, cellular stress, epigenetics, and inflammation. There may be additional hallmarks we have not yet discovered.
Age: The Biggest Risk Factor
As we age, our cells and systems begin to change — and not always for the better. These changes make us more vulnerable to diseases like cancer, stroke, osteoporosis, and dementia. Geroscience researchers are asking: what if we could delay or prevent those changes?
This age/risk factor graph illustrates the incidences of chronic disease against age as well as multimorbidity rates (2+ conditions). Select a specific chronic disease to highlight the data
Latest Geroscience Research & News
Featured Geroscientist
Emilia Lim
Assistant Professor – Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia
Emilia Lim earned a BSc in Bioinformatics at the University of Alberta and completed a PhD at UBC studying biomarkers in treatment-resistant cancers. During her postdoc at the Francis Crick Institute, she linked air pollution to lung cancer initiation. Her research now focuses on how environmental pollutants disrupt normal cells to accelerate the initiation of age-related disease states such as cancer. Emilia is an investigator with the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Health Aging.
July 23, 2025
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News Article
TSI Group and McGill University advance in the global XPRIZE Healthspan competition
TSI Group is celebrating the inclusion of two of its ingredients — myHMB and Hobamine — in the next phase of the ambitious $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan competition, which focuses on extending healthy human lifespan.
June 11, 2025
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Podcast
New podcast delivers cutting-edge geriatric care insights
The Geras Centre for Aging Research based at Hamilton Health Sciences’ (HHS) St. Peter’s Hospital is bringing the latest breakthroughs in healthy aging and geriatric care to listeners across Canada and around the world through its newly launched podcast series, GeriEvidence.
Making an Impact
Geroscientists are at the forefront of research aimed at understanding the biological mechanisms of aging and how they contribute to age-related diseases.
Find out how geroscientsists are making an impact to the field and meet some of our members.
Get involved in Geroscience
Getting involved with geroscience can start with educating yourself about the biology of aging through research, seminars and other media, you can also participate in research by volunteering or participating in clinical trials.
Find out how you can get involved and view our list of tools and resources including clinical trials, news & media, research and resources to expand your knowledge of geroscience.
Our Supporters
Our Public Information Project is funded by the RTOERO Foundation a registered charity that invests in research and programs that promote healthy, active aging. This public Information project is also supported by the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging at the University of British Columbia.
Disclaimer: All medical information provided by the network on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.