Basic and translational aging research in China: present and future

Abstract

The percentage of elderly people in the world is increasing at an unprecedented pace; so it is in China, which has the world's largest population and a high ratio of the seniors (aged 60 and above) to working-age adults. The growing elderly population is presenting a major social challenge. Accordingly, it is not only imperative as a national strategic demand but also promises great scientific values to understand the biological process of aging, explore the mystery of healthy aging, delay the aging process, and treat the age-related diseases. This Perspective summarizes past and present advances of the basic and translational aging research in China and offers perspectives on future endeavors in this area. Based on a national survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics, China's elderly population (aged 60 and above) had reached 249 million by the end of 2018, making up about 17.9% of the total population; those aged 65 and above totaled 167 million, accounting for 11.9% of the total population. The 2013 "China Aging Development Report" pointed out that the severity of the aging problems in China was unprecedented. Population aging is accompanied by increased prevalence of various age-related chronic diseases. The cost of healthcare for the elderlies is imposing a heavy financial burden both on the elderlies and their families as well as on society as a whole. It is of great social significance to achieve healthy aging to reduce medical expenses and increase productive engagement of elderly population. The history of aging research in China can be traced back to early 1980s, Chinese scientists began to decode aging. Prof. Tanjun Tong's team discovered the relationship between P16 and telomeres, unraveled the molecular mechanisms by which P16 regulates cellular senescence, and identified genetic indicators and quantitative indices for estimating the "age" of human cells, including telomere length, cell proliferative capacity, senescence-associated βgalactosidase activity, advanced glycation end products, DNA damage repair ability, DNA methylation degree, mitochondrial DNA deletion, and α-2-macroglobulin protein level

A research agenda for ageing in China in the 21st century (2nd edition): Focusing on basic and translational research, long-term care, policy and social networks

“…It is delightful to witness the progress of basic and translational ageing research in China, as supported by increases in the number of grants and funding opportunities, as well as by rising numbers of high profile publications and discoveries ( He et al, 2019c ). Joint efforts from the government and stakeholders of each and every sector should be encouraged to nurture an elderly-friendly society, of most import are reforming the Social Support System to support China’s ageing society, and the introduction of health service/investment interventions aimed at reducing inequalities in health among older people in China.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Stigma Related to Dementia Among Illiterate and Literate Older Adults in Shanghai

“…5 The 2013 “China Aging Development Report” noted that the severity of the aging problem in China was unprecedented. 6 Population aging is an important concern because age is a major risk factor for many debilitating and life-threatening conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. 7 Dementia is a symptom of various neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging.…”

Trends in Incidence of Urinary Tract Infection in Mainland China from 1990 to 2019

“…20 According to a national survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics, as at the end of 2018, the number of older adults aged at least 60 years in China had reached 249 million, accounting for approximately 17.9% of the total population. 21 This study found that the incidence of UTI was higher in females than in males. America found the same situation that the lifetime risk of UTI for females is about 50% and about 20% for males.…”