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Researchers from Rutgers University and Michigan State University have launched a $3.7 million study on how structural racism impacts aging among Black Americans. The five-year study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, will focus on how racism influences cognitive decline, physical health, and frailty.

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How Structural Racism Affects Aging

The research team, led by Danielle L. Beatty Moody from Rutgers and Richard C. Sadler from Michigan State, aims to explore the impact of lifelong exposure to structural racism on the aging process. The study will include 800 Black and white participants from Baltimore who have been part of a long-term project on healthy aging for over two decades.

Going Beyond Segregation: Broader Implications of Structural Racism

Moody and Sadler stressed that this study goes beyond traditional research focused solely on redlining or residential segregation. “It’s not just redlining, and it’s not just segregation,” they explained in a news release. “Racist practices are deeper and broader, so we must document all the tools of structural racism in urban areas to understand ongoing racial health disparities.”

Examining Neighborhoods and Personal Racism Experiences

The study will investigate not only neighborhood environments but also personal experiences with racism. Furthermore, it will analyze biological and social factors that contribute to risk and resilience. By doing so, the researchers hope to create effective strategies for addressing racial inequities in aging.

Sharing Results and Promoting Health Equity

Once the study concludes, the research team plans to share findings with participants, community members, and policymakers. This approach aims to support advocacy efforts and influence policy changes, particularly in housing and neighborhood environments.

Seeking Long-Term Change

“We’re not just focused on past or present issues,” Sadler emphasized. “Our goal is to impact the future of health equity in communities where Black Americans face the hardest challenges.”