Quarterly Report on Aging Research: New research about caregiving, social connection, and healthy aging
- Phyllis Mirsky
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Phyllis S. Mirsky is a retired academic librarian at the University of California, San Diego, with a 40-year career in librarianship that included leadership roles at both UCLA and UC San Diego. Before joining UCSD in 1981, she served as Head of Reference at the National Library of Medicine. Throughout her career in the health information field, Mirsky held several leadership positions in the Medical Library Association, including serving as its president in 1985. As an educator, researcher, and administrator, she has long been committed to making high-quality health information accessible and understandable.
Each quarter, Phyllis prepares a report for the Del Mar Community Connections (DMCC) Board of Directors that highlights the most significant and relevant research on aging for older adults and their caregivers. This blog builds on that work, sharing timely, evidence-based insights and translating complex research into clear, practical information that supports informed, engaged living.
Community members will have an opportunity to discuss this report at the Aging Research Roundtable, planned in partnership with the Del Mar branch of the San Diego County Library, on Thursday, June 18 at 2:30pm. Registration required; sign up here.
January - March 2026
Executive Summary
This quarter’s report highlights emerging research and reporting on caregiving, social connection, healthy aging, and practical strategies that support independence and well-being in later life.
Several key themes emerge. First, caregiving in the United States continues to grow rapidly in both scope and complexity. Nearly one in four adults now provides care to a family member or friend, often without formal training or adequate support, underscoring the increasing need for community-based resources and education.
Second, a large and expanding body of research reinforces that social connection is not simply a quality-of-life issue, but a fundamental determinant of physical and cognitive health. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, and early mortality, while strong relationships and community engagement provide measurable protective benefits.
Third, research continues to highlight that relatively practical and accessible interventions—such as volunteering, cultivating compassion, maintaining muscle strength, and using assistive technologies—can significantly improve quality of life and may even influence biological aging processes.
Finally, there is a growing shift away from extreme or highly prescriptive models of “optimal aging” toward more sustainable, balanced approaches that emphasize independence, social connection, and overall well-being.
Implications for Del Mar Community Connections: These findings reinforce the importance of programs that support caregivers, reduce social isolation, promote physical and cognitive health, and provide practical tools that enable older adults to remain independent and engaged in their communities.
I. Ongoing Monitoring
Continued review and monitoring of major publications and resources focused on aging, longevity, and caregiving:
NIH MedlinePlus Magazine
National Institute on Aging (NIA) – Healthy Aging Highlights
NIA’s Alzheimers.gov Highlights
Successful Aging Newsletter (UC San Diego)
San Diego State University Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity (CEAL)
Alzheimer’s San Diego
National Library of Medicine Reading Club, which offers curated selections to deepen public engagement with health and medical topics
II. New Publications and Resources
National Council on Aging (2026). Best Medical Alert Systems
https://www.ncoa.org/product-resources/medical-alert-systems/best-medical-alert-systems
AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving (2025). Caregiving in the U.S. 2025
Media and analysis from New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and Kiplinger addressing caregiving, social connection, and healthy aging
Peer-reviewed research from Scientific Reports, Social Science & Medicine, and related journals
III. Key Research Highlights and Summaries
1. Caregiving in the United States Is Rapidly Expanding
AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving (2025). Caregiving in the U.S. 2025
A sweeping national report finds that 63 million Americans—nearly one in four adults—provided care for an adult or child with a complex medical condition or disability in the past year. This represents an increase of approximately 20 million caregivers since 2015, reflecting both demographic shifts and the growing reliance on unpaid caregiving.
Of these caregivers, the vast majority are supporting adults over age 18, often balancing employment, financial pressures, and their own health needs.
Why it matters: Caregiving is becoming a defining feature of midlife and later life in the United States. The scale of this responsibility has significant implications for workforce participation, health outcomes, and demand for community-based services.
2. Technology and Tools That Support Independence
National Council on Aging (February 23, 2026). Best Medical Alert Systems
Guidance from the National Council on Aging emphasizes that assistive technologies—particularly modern medical alert systems—can play an important role in maintaining independence and safety. These devices have evolved significantly in recent years: they are now more discreet, easier to use, and often include features such as automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and health monitoring.
In addition to reducing the risk of injury and delayed emergency response, such tools can provide reassurance to both users and family members.
Takeaway: Practical, relatively low-cost technologies can meaningfully extend independent living and reduce avoidable medical complications.
3. Social Connection as a Determinant of Health
Holt-Lunstad, J. (2018). Why Social Relationships Are Important for Physical Health: A Systems Approach. Annual Review of Psychology.Finley, A. J., & Schaefer, S. M. (2022). Affective Neuroscience of Loneliness. Journal of Psychiatric and Brain Science.
A substantial body of research demonstrates that social relationships are deeply intertwined with physical health and longevity. Social connection operates across multiple levels—from individual relationships to broader community and societal structures—and influences biological processes including stress response and inflammation.
Conversely, loneliness—defined as the subjective experience of social isolation—is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, depression, and mortality. Emerging neuroscience research suggests that loneliness is linked to changes in brain function, heightened sensitivity to social threat, and increased inflammation.
Importantly, some of these effects may be reversible, indicating that interventions aimed at improving social connection can have meaningful health benefits.
Takeaway: Social connection should be understood as a core component of public health, not simply a social or emotional concern.
4. Friendship in Adulthood Requires Intentional Effort
Pearson, C. (January 27, 2026). The Friendship Advice Experts Swear By. New York Times.
Recent reporting highlights a decline in close friendships among U.S. adults, driven in part by lifestyle changes, mobility, and the loss of informal gathering spaces. However, researchers and practitioners emphasize that meaningful friendships remain both possible and essential.
The article outlines practical strategies, including taking initiative (“aggressive friendship”), integrating social interaction into daily routines, asking for help to build trust, and aligning activities with how people naturally connect.
Takeaway: Unlike earlier life stages, friendship in adulthood often requires deliberate effort and sustained attention.
5. Volunteering and Biological Aging
Kim, S., Halvorsen, C., Potter, C., & Faul, J. (2025). Does volunteering reduce epigenetic age acceleration? Social Science & Medicine.
This study examined whether volunteering is associated with changes in “epigenetic age,” a biological measure of aging based on DNA markers. The findings suggest that frequent volunteering may be associated with slower biological aging, particularly among older adults.
While additional research is needed to establish causality, the results point to volunteering as a potentially powerful intervention that combines social engagement, purpose, and activity.
6. Compassion and Well-Being
Zhuniq, M., Winter, F., & Aguilar-Raab, C. (2025). Compassion for others and well-being: a meta-analysis. Scientific Reports.
A meta-analysis of 54 studies found a moderate, statistically significant positive relationship between compassion for others and overall well-being. This relationship was consistent across psychological, social, and cognitive dimensions of well-being.
The findings also suggest that compassion-based interventions may improve well-being, although more research is needed to establish causal effects.
Takeaway: Caring for others is not only socially beneficial—it may also contribute meaningfully to individual well-being.
7. Advances in Alzheimer’s Detection
Gilbert, D., & Roubein, R. (May 16, 2025). FDA clears new Alzheimer’s blood test. Washington Post.
The FDA has cleared a new type of blood test designed to detect biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Compared to traditional diagnostic methods such as PET scans or spinal taps, blood tests are less invasive, more accessible, and potentially easier to scale.
Why it matters: Earlier and more accessible diagnosis may allow for better care planning and earlier intervention.
8. Physical Strength, Mobility, and Fall Prevention
Inacio, M., Ryan, A. S., Bair, W.-N., et al. (2014). Gluteal muscle composition differentiates fallers from non-fallers. BMC Geriatrics.Achauer, H. (March 25, 2026). This Muscle Is the Unsung Hero of Longevity. New York Times.
Research on muscle composition in older adults highlights the importance of lower-body strength—particularly the gluteal muscles—in maintaining balance, mobility, and independence. Loss of muscle quality and increased fat infiltration in muscle tissue are associated with higher fall risk.
Falls remain a major cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults, making prevention a key priority.
Takeaway: Strength training and mobility-focused exercise are essential components of healthy aging.
9. Evolving Guidance on Blood Pressure
Span, P. (March 14, 2026; updated March 17, 2026). How Low Can You Go? New York Times.
Emerging clinical discussions suggest that lower blood pressure targets may reduce risk not only for cardiovascular disease but also for dementia. These evolving guidelines reflect growing evidence linking vascular health and brain health.
10. Changing Models of Aging: “Solo Agers”
Silvestrini, E. (March 7, 2026). “Solo Agers” Are Thriving on Their Own Terms. Kiplinger.
An increasing number of older adults are choosing to age independently, without traditional family caregiving structures. These individuals often rely more heavily on social networks, community organizations, and formal services.
Takeaway: This trend underscores the importance of strengthening community-based supports and social infrastructure.
11. The Emotional Reality of Caregiving
Ansberry, C. (January 10, 2026). The Key to Caring for Aging Parents. Wall Street Journal.
This article highlights the emotional complexity of caregiving, emphasizing that caregivers often face frustration, uncertainty, and the realization that not all problems can be “fixed.” It underscores the importance of setting realistic expectations and maintaining personal well-being.
IV. Books and Additional Resources
Aging and Diversity: Social and Community Contexts of Aging
Wagner, L., Mehrotra, C. M., & Guo, M. (2025). Routledge.
This book emphasizes that aging is shaped not only by biology, but by social and community contexts, including race, socioeconomic status, geography, and culture. It highlights the importance of designing equitable and culturally responsive systems of care.
The Power of a Joyful Village
Schubert, D. M. (2025). Manuscripts LLC.
This work explores the potential of intergenerational communities to create stronger social connections and support systems, offering practical strategies for building “age-friendly” environments.
Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life
Emanuel, E. J. (2025).
This book argues for a balanced, sustainable approach to health and longevity, emphasizing moderation, relationships, and enjoyment of life rather than rigid or extreme health practices.
Overall Observations
Across multiple domains, the research this quarter reinforces several consistent themes:
Social connection is a foundational determinant of health and longevity
Caregiving responsibilities are expanding rapidly and require greater support
Practical, everyday behaviors—such as volunteering, exercise, and relationship-building—can have significant impact
Healthy aging is best understood as a balance of independence, connection, and quality of life
