Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA)

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) tackles the biggest issues facing an aging population through research in nutrition, mobility, dementia, technology, and more. The RIA’s unique approach to innovation bridges the gap between research and impact. Research questions are shaped by essential partners—older adults, care partners, health professionals, educators and industry—and then used to develop resources and education that can be applied to inform practice and policy. 

The growing team of 11 Research Chairs, plus specialists and scientists, have made significant breakthroughs that are changing the future of aging. Richard Hughson, Schlegel Research Chair in Vascular Aging & Brain Health and Royal Society of Canada Fellow, was the first to discover that the cardiovascular systems of astronauts on the International Space Station can age the equivalent of 10–20 years. Hughson is now applying the knowledge gained from his research to preventing unexplained falls in older adults and to inform strategies to support longer stays in space. 

Thanks to the generosity of donors, such as the RBJ Schlegel Family Foundation, the RIA discovers solutions that truly work and shares them to benefit older adults everywhere.