Since 1981, the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has helped scientists begin and further careers in aging research and geriatric medicine. To date, AFAR has granted in excess of $47 million to more than 1,400 new scientists and students, all working to increase our understanding of the aging process and age-associated diseases and disorders.

During the next five years, AFAR, through its highly regarded scientific review process, will award an additional $20 million to launch the careers of hundreds more researchers, many of whom will one day serve as academic and scientific leaders in this vitally important field.

AFAR is also a consistent, and insistent, advocate for healthy aging. Our scientific meetings and lecture series promote the cross-fertilization of new research ideas and directions in this area. Our new informational website, institutional website, newsletters and media briefings communicate the latest scientific breakthroughs and health information to the scientific community and broader public.

As we enter the 21st Century, AFAR looks forward to continuing to develop the careers of promising researchers in aging, and to building and spreading the knowledge we all need to ensure the growing number of older people live healthier, productive and independent lives.