Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Healthy Aging Study (ALOHA)

Summary

The Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Healthy Aging (ALOHA) Study is a community-based research project led by the Marymount University Center for Optimal Aging (MCOA). The study is designed to help older adults in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area maintain independence, mobility, wellbeing and brain health as they age. Adults aged 50 years and older will receive a comprehensive health assessment at the study site, Center for Optimal Aging- ALOHA Lab at Marymount University (MU) Ballston Campus in Arlington, Virginia. The assessment includes physical and cognitive testing, health and medical history, lifestyle surveys, and biometric measures such as blood pressure, grip strength, body composition by the InBody system, balance and gait speed. Participants will receive their results in a personalized "Health Passport," which summarizes findings and provides tailored recommendations to help manage modifiable health risk factors-such as those linked to Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, frailty syndrome, and depression. Participants will return annually for up to 5 years to repeat assessments and receive updated health and wellness recommendations. The study will track changes in health over time and explore the impact of the Health Passport on health behaviors, functional independence, and quality of life. ALOHA will also evaluate the cultural appropriateness of the Health Passport for diverse populations in Northern Virginia. The program incorporates an interprofessional research model, engaging researchers from multiple health professions to work alongside older adults, supporting both participants' wellness and optimal aging.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 50 years or older at time of enrollment
* Residing in the Washington, District of Columbia (DC)., Maryland, or Virginia metropolitan areas
* Community-dwelling (living independently or with minimal assistance)
* Able to participate in physical and cognitive assessments
* Able to provide informed consent
* Willing to return for annual follow-up assessments for up to 5 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of dementia or significant cognitive impairment that prevents informed consent or participation in assessments
* Severe physical disability or medical condition that precludes participation in study assessments (e.g., unstable cardiac condition, severe mobility limitation)
* Current diagnosis of a terminal illness with life expectancy less than 12 months
* Residing in a long-term care facility or nursing home at time of enrollment
* Inability to communicate in English or Spanish (study materials available in these languages only)
* Participation in another interventional trial that could confound study results

Conditions10

Locations1 site

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