The Toulouse-based HealthAge consortium, accredited as an IHU in 2023, is the only IHU in France exclusively dedicated to ageing. Faced with the major challenges posed by an ageing population, HealthAge is deploying a continuum of translational research to improve our understanding of the phenomena of ageing and associated pathologies, and to devise solutions for better large-scale care and support for healthy ageing. According to the WHO, healthy ageing is the process of developing and maintaining functional abilities that promote well-being in old age. The IHU HealthAge aims to strengthen health capital and respond to needs in terms of early diagnosis, innovation and treatment in the context of ageing.
The IHU HealthAge aims to become a leading translational research institute in Europe dedicated to the prevention of ageing, healthy longevity and geroscience. Geroscience proposes to act on biological ageing, the main risk factor for age-related chronic diseases (dementia, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, etc.) and functional decline. It takes a systemic and preventive view of ageing, focusing on maintaining capacity. IHU HealthAge puts us at the cutting edge of innovation and care for the elderly by strengthening the 6 essential functions (vision, hearing, memory, psychology, mobility and nutrition/vitality), also known as intrinsic capacities, and thus extending life expectancy in good health.
Supported by Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm and the University of Toulouse, HealthAge capitalises on more than 20 years’ experience and excellence within the Toulouse Gérontopôle and draws on a network of partners and local and international expertise.
