Revisiting the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Health Disparities Research Framework: Recommendations for Aging Research

Abstract This paper explores the implications of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Health Disparities Research Framework (HDRF) in understanding and addressing health disparities in aging populations. The framework provides a comprehensive lens through which researchers examine the intersection of biological, social, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes and contribute to disparities among older adults. By focusing on vulnerable and underserved populations, the HDRF allows for multilevel analyses of socioeconomic status, education, and living conditions that impact health and social mobility. A review of key studies using the HDRF highlights the complexity of health disparities, particularly concerning race, ethnicity, and environmental exposures. It underscores the need for inclusive, culturally relevant research. The paper further emphasizes the importance of enhancing the HDRF to incorporate evolving social determinants of health, including digital health disparities, and recommends integrating belonging as a foundational concept to ensure historically marginalized populations are represented and actively engaged in research. By advocating for longitudinal, community-based research and policy development, this work calls for a concerted effort to eliminate structural and social barriers to health equity, aiming to advance social justice and inclusion in aging science.