Integrating Neurophysiological and Behavioral Changes from Midlife to Old Age

Global aging has led to widespread scientific interest in the aging process to gain a better understanding of human development, promote active aging, and reduce the aging burden. As such, the investigation of aging encompasses many areas of human scientific inquiry across the biopsychosocial realms, from genetics through to physiology, behavior, and sociology. While it is clear that phenomena in these areas are either causally related or share common underlying mechanisms, the extant research typically implements cross-sectional designs that focus only on single behavioral domains (e.g., cognition, mobility, sleep, etc.) without addressing the underlying mechanisms that could bridge the gaps between these fields. Additionally, while it is known that physiological and behavioral changes often predate old age, most studies on aging take place in older adults (age 65+), concealing the earlier manifestation of these changes.

This Research Topic aims to collect original research articles and theoretical reviews that bridge the existing gaps and explore the aging process from its early manifestations through multifactorial and interdisciplinary approaches. We welcome studies that demonstrate associations between (a) physiological factors, such as inflammation, glycemic markers, cardiometabolic risk, and neurophysiology, and (b) behavioral factors, such as sleep, mobility, cognition, and mental health, throughout the aging process. Studies including midlife in addition to older age groups are particularly welcome. Studies that provide evidence to support or contradict theoretical models of aging, such as inflammaging, compensation, de-differentiation, and cognitive reserve theories, will contribute to a more comprehensive approach in the study of aging.