Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), a long-range examination of interrelations between multiple correlates of aging. Although men of varied backgrounds were selected for the original study (1955) in order to explore uncontrolled factors that might lead to new knowledge regarding aging, the BLSA now includes both men and women. This is the longest-running study on aging in America. The study has provided scientific evidence as to what happens as men and women age. It is identifying normal aging patterns from patterns of disease, illness, and other causes, such as genetics and heredity. What has been learned from the studies has made a significant contribution to research supporting healthy aging. The awareness provided in areas such as exercise, diet, and physical activities, as well as all activities of daily living and lifestyle habits, equates to a significant contribution in terms of how aging can be managed today.
