NE2439: Improving the health span of aging adults through diet and physical activity
(Multistate Research Project)
Status: Active
Date of Annual Report: 10/31/2025
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 06/04/2025
- 06/06/2025
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2024 - 09/30/2025
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2024 - 09/30/2025
Participants
Furong Xu (University of Rhode Island)Elgloria Harrison (Lehman College)
Melissa Ventura-Marra (West Virginia University)
Elmira Asongwed (University of the District of Columbia)
Marni Shoemaker (South Dakota State University)
DJ Oberlin (Lehman College)
Ingrid Lofgren (University of Rhode Island)
Jacob Eubank (Lehman College)
Elizabeth McNeill (Iowa State University)
Lee Weidauer (South Dakota StatenUniversity)
Phronie Jackson (University of the District of Columbia)
Tia Jeffrey (University of the District of Columbia)
Collette Brown (Lehman College)
Kathleen Woolf (New York University)
Hyangmi Kim (Lehman College)
Sarah Francis (Iowa State University)
Lauren Roberson (Ohio State University)
Tailisha Gonzalez (Lehman College)
Theresa Lundy (Lehman College)
Sue Shapses (Rutgers University)
Lillie Monroe-Lord (University of the District of Columbia)
Brief Summary of Minutes
Accomplishments
<p><strong>Short-term Outcomes:</strong></p><br /> <p>Objective 1: To conduct multidimensional assessments of diet, physical activity and related factors affecting aging adults.</p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Objective 1 projects:</li><br /> <li>We have submitted one research paper describing our work on the effect of diet- and age-dependent accumulation of lipoproteins as driver of aging in C. elegans model organism. This study adds to our understanding of the role of lipoproteins as conserved drivers of aging in metazoans.</li><br /> <li>Our pioneering exploration of the interplay between long-chain n–3 PUFAs and fermentable fiber in humans focused on how these elements influence cell-signaling pathways through the metabolic activities of the gut microbiome. The stool exfoliome analysis used in this study represents a novel, cost effective, and noninvasive method for assessing the impact of dietary interventions on the human gut.</li><br /> <li>We have continued investigating the role of dietary flavonoids in cognitive function. Flavonoid have unique functions in regulating oxidative stress and other conditions that may impact cardiovascular and metabolic health. Cognitive impairment that is linked to poor cardiovascular and metabolic health may be preventable, in part, by using foods rich in flavonoids such as orange and brown pigmented foods like walnuts.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p>Objective 2: To develop, implement and evaluate interventions that preserve or improve health in aging adults living in rural and urban environments.</p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Objective 2 projects:<br /> <ul><br /> <li>We have completed year 1 of StrengthenHER, a sarcopenia prevention program for older adults.</li><br /> <li>Our pioneering exploration of the interplay between long-chain n–3 PUFAs and fermentable fiber in humans focused on how these elements influence cell-signaling pathways through the metabolic activities of the gut microbiome. The stool exfoliome analysis used in this study represents a novel, cost effective, and noninvasive method for assessing the impact of dietary interventions on the human gut.</li><br /> </ul><br /> </li><br /> </ul><br /> <p><strong>Outputs:</strong></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Collectively we trained 78 undergraduate students, 24 graduate students, and 1 Post-Doctoral Associate. The skills acquired by these trainees include:</li><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Quantitative research (e.g., data collection, data entry, analysis)</li><br /> <li>Qualitative research (e.g., conducting focus groups, analyzing focus group data, etc.)</li><br /> <li>Professional writing (e.g., manuscripts, abstracts, theses)</li><br /> <li>Laboratory skills (e.g., telomere length assays, northern blots, etc.)</li><br /> <li>Anthropometric measures (e.g., height, weight, skin folds, etc.)</li><br /> <li>Nutritional Status assessment (e.g., DST, MNA)</li><br /> <li>Dietary Intake Assessment (e.g., 24-hour food recalls, food records, etc.)</li><br /> <li>Program implementation</li><br /> </ul><br /> <li>Collectively we received 16 grants ($1,846,242 Total): 11 Federal, 2 state, 1 Foundation, 1 University, and 1 research station. </li><br /> <li>The team published 19 journal articles and 11 published abstracts.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p><strong>Activities:</strong></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Seven states (ISU, SDSU, WVU, UMD, UDC, UIUC, URI) have continued publishing on a large-scale needs assessment of 1,250 adults ages 40 years and older across 7 states and are preparing manuscripts and projects based on these data.</li><br /> <li>A group of 7 states have completed their year-1 objectives for the USDA funded StrengthenHER project.</li><br /> <li>A large-collaborative group has continued its investigation into the role of diet and physical activity on brain health.</li><br /> <li>We are investigating the role of dietary flavonoids in cognitive function. Flavonoid have unique functions in regulating oxidative stress and other conditions that may impact cardiovascular and metabolic health. Cognitive impairment that is linked to poor cardiovascular and metabolic health may be preventable, in part, by using foods rich in flavonoids such as orange and brown pigmented foods like walnuts.</li><br /> <li>We have submitted one research paper describing our work on the effect of diet- and age-dependent accumulation of lipoproteins as driver of aging in C. elegans model organism. This study adds to our understanding of the role of lipoproteins as consrved drivers of aging in metazoans.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p><strong>Milestones:</strong></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Several of the junior faculty were able to get external review letters that assisted in preparing their promotion and tenure packet. Additionally, new junior faculty have joined the group and are seeing the benefits of participating as they drive their own research agenda.</li><br /> <li>Our pioneering exploration of the interplay between long-chain n–3 PUFAs and fermentable fiber in humans focused on how these elements influence cell-signaling pathways through the metabolic activities of the gut microbiome. The stool exfoliome analysis used in this study represents a novel, cost effective, and noninvasive method for assessing the impact of dietary interventions on the human gut. The stool based exfoliome analysis used in this study represents a novel, cost effective, and noninvasive method for assessing the impact of dietary interventions on the human gut.</li><br /> <li>During and after our pilot study with a student-led nutrition and physical activity program for older adults, multiple of our participants comments how much the enjoyed our program and hope that it will continue in the future.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p><strong> </strong></p>Publications
<p><strong>Published Journal Articles (19 TOTAL)</strong></p><br /> <ol><br /> <li>Yang B*, Manifold B*, Han W*, DeSousa C, Zhu W, Streets A*, Titov DV*. SRS microscopy identifies inhibition of vitellogenesis as a mediator of lifespan extension by caloric restriction in C. elegans. bioRxiv 2025.01.31.636008.</li><br /> <li>Monroe-Lord, L., Ardakani, A., Schweitzer, A.,et al. Demographic Determinants of Food Insecurity in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2025, 17(18), 2934; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182934</li><br /> <li>Richards, M., Russo, Y., Duarte, S., et al., Food Security, Mental Health Status and Prostate Cancer in US Men: 2023 NHIS Data. Journal of Food Security, 2025;13(3), 99-105. DOI: 10.12691/jfs-13-3-3</li><br /> <li>Kim, H., Eubank, J.M., Orazem, J., et al. The impact of a sense of belonging on the health-related quality of life among the elderly in New York City. American Journal of Public Health Research, 2025; 13(1), 20-37. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-13-1-4</li><br /> <li>Oberlin, D.J., Eubank, J.M., Kim, H., et al. Descriptive Study of Diet and Food Security of Older Adults Across New York City Boroughs: Implications for Cognitive Decline. American Journal of Public Health Research, 2024; 12(4):81-86. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-12-4-3</li><br /> <li>Tia Jeffery, Amy Schweitzer, Lillie Monroe-Lord, and Carolyn Miller (2025), Hybrid Delivery of a Heritage-Based Nutrition Program for Black Older Adults, Health Promotion Practice, https://doi.org/10.1177/15248399251354955</li><br /> <li>Lillie Monroe-Lord, Azam Ardakani, Amy Schweitzer, Elmira Asongwed, Xuejing Duan, Tia Jeffery, Phronie Jackson, Elgloria Harrison, and Eyerusalem Beza (2025), Demographic Determinants of Food Insecurity in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Nutrients, 17 (18) 2934. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182934</li><br /> <li>Lillie Monroe-Lord, Azam Ardakani, Xuejing Duan, Elmira Asongwed, Tia Jeffery, and Phronie Jackson (2025) Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Post-COVID-19 Dietary Changes: Analysis Across Income and Education Levels: American Journal of Public Health Research, Vol. 13, No. 4, 152-164. DOI: 10:12691/ajphr-13-4-2</li><br /> <li>Tia Jeffery, Xuejing Duan, Azam Ardakani, Sapna Batheja, Gifty N. Stevinson and Lillie Monroe-Lord (2025) Patterns of US Citizenship Status VS. Diet Quality Among Adults of African Decent: BMC Nutrition; 11: 136, 1754. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01108-z">https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01108-z</a></li><br /> <li>Lillie Monroe-Lord, Azam Ardakani, Ricardo Brown, Elmira Asongwed, Xuejing Duran, Tia Jeffery, and Phronie Jackson (2025) Changes in Food Consumption Patterns After the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on Age and Sex, Nutrients; 17 (11), 1754, <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111754">https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111754</a></li><br /> <li>Moosavi, D.A. Mullens, L.A. Davidson, Y.Y. Fan, J.S. Goldsby, I.V. Ivanov, L. Levy, O.J. Kahsai, K.R. Curtis, D. Raftery, H.J. Purcell, E. Mather, H. Ammar, T. Randolph, R.B. Issaka, S.L. Navarro, J.W. Lampe, M.A. Hullar, and R.S. Chapkin. Gut microbial community and host intestinal gene expression with combined fish oil and soluble corn fiber compared with corn oil and maltodextrin: a randomized crossover trial in healthy older individuals. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 122:396-412. 2025. PMID: 40754387.</li><br /> <li>Schultz, S., Francis, S. L., Bauman, A., Vincent, A. D., & Hyde, C. Training Needs and Preferences of the Senior Nutrition Program Network: Amplifying Historically Marginalized Voices. Journal of applied gerontology: the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society, 7334648251347406. Advance online publication. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251347406">https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251347406</a></li><br /> <li>Lu C**, Francis SL. β NEWS You Can Use— Helping Older Adults Make Informed Food Choices. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 12(3). <a href="https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1501&context=jhse">https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1501&context=jhse</a></li><br /> <li>Nigg, J., Arendt, S., Sapp, S., Francis, SL. Food-related control and person-centered care: Influences on life satisfaction in long-term care residents. Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics, 1-19. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21551197.2024.2428660">https://doi.org/10.1080/21551197.2024.2428660</a></li><br /> <li>Shoemaker ME, Pereira SL, Mustad VA, Gillen ZM, McKay BD, Lopez-Pedrosa JM, Rueda R, Cramer JT. (2025). A pilot study evaluating differences in muscle tissue saturation and blood flow between older adults with and without sarcopenia. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 16. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2025.1644712</li><br /> <li>Kutnik P, Ramos Da Silva BR, Shoemaker ME, Gonzalez Barbosa-Silva T, Gonzalez MC, Lobo DN, Prado C. (2025). Enhancing health outcomes through optimized body composition in prehabilitation. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. 10:1-10. doi: 10.1159/000545026. Epub ahead of print. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40064158/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40064158/</a></li><br /> <li>Frankhouser DE, DeWess T, Snodgrass IF, Cole RM, Steck S, Thomas D, Kalu C, Belury MA, Clinton SK, Newman JW, Yee LD. Randomized dose-response trial of n-3 fatty acids in hormone receptor negative breast cancer survivors-impact on breast adipose oxylipin and DNA methylation patterns. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025; 25: S0002-9165. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.04.021. PMID: 40288580</li><br /> <li>Madison AA, Shrout MR, Wilson SJ, Renna ME, Peng J, Andridge R, Jaremka LM, Fagundes CP, Belury MA, Malarkey WB, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. "I'm Ready This Time": Investigating physiological and emotional habituation to repetitive social stress. Ann Behav Med. 2025; 59: kaaf009. doi: 10.1093/abm/kaaf009.PMID: 40036285</li><br /> <li>Ilayan A, Dustin D, Kowalski C, Belury MA, Johnson LK, Conrad Z.J. Micronutrient Inadequacy Differs by Intake of Fat Amount and Class Among Adults That Consume a Restricted Carbohydrate Diet: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2018. Acad Nutr Diet. 2025 Apr;125(4):501-514.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.11.001. Epub 2024 Nov 7.PMID: 39521380</li><br /> </ol><br /> <p><strong>Published Research Abstracts (11 TOTAL)</strong></p><br /> <ol><br /> <li>Lillie Monroe-Lord, Azam Ardakani, Phronie Jackson, Cassidy Weitman (2025) Socio-Demographic Determinants of Food Security Among Elderly Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 57 (8), S22, https://doi/10.1016/j.jneb.2025.05.050</li><br /> <li>Lillie Monroe-Lord, Azam Ardekani, Phronie Jackson, Amy Schweitzer, Tia Jeffery, Cassidy Weitman (2025) Changes in Food Security Among Elderly Populations: The Role of Income Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Current Developments in Nutrition, 9 (2), 106303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2025.106303</li><br /> <li>Y Fan, M.L. Salinas, D.A. Mullens, L.A. Davidson, J.S. Goldsby, I.V. Ivanov, J.J. Cai, L. Levy, M.A. Hullar, S.L. Navarro, J.W. Lampe and R.S. Chapkin. Fish oil and soluble fiber reduce colon cancer risk by synergistically promoting targeted ferroptosis in preclinical mouse models and healthy human adults. Presented at the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) Meeting, Quebec City, Canada, June 29-July 2, 2025.</li><br /> <li>M. Donovan, C.R. Martin, S.N. Taylor, D.A. Mullens, J.S. Goldsby, I. Ivanov, L.A. Davidson and R.S. Chapkin. Non-invasive assessment of molecular biomarkers of intestinal development in very preterm infants. NEC Symposium 2025, Chicago IL, September 7-10, 2025.</li><br /> <li>Rudolph, C.**, Francis, S.L., Bauman, A. (2025). Leveraging Insights from Informal Caregivers: Awareness and Attitudes Toward Adult Community-Based Food and Nutrition Programs. Poster presentation for the SNEB Annual Conference, July 2025.</li><br /> <li>Rudolph, C., Francis, S.L., Bauman, A. Community Resource Awareness and Referral Practices of Healthcare Providers to Support Older Adults. Poster presentation for the 2024 GSA Annual Conference</li><br /> <li>Francis, S.L., Rudolph, C.**, Wood, E.C.**, Woodall, S. (2025). Aging Together: Multi-Sector Collaboration for Healthier Futures. Session presentation given at the SNEB Annual Conference, July 2025.</li><br /> <li>Rudolph, C.**, Francis, S.L., & Bauman, A. (2024). Awareness and Attitudes Toward Senior Nutrition Programs Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults. 30-minute roundtable presentation to be given at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo, October 2024</li><br /> <li>Weidauer, L., Shoemaker, M., Francis, S.L., Xu, F., Delmonico, M., Venturra-Marra, M., Lofgren, I., Baum, J., Woolf, K., Monroe-Lord, L. StrengthenHER: A Remotely Delivered Sarcopenia Prevention Program. Poster presentation given at the the SNEB Annual Conference, July 2025.</li><br /> <li>Shoemaker ME, Northrup MJ, Barry, AM. Student-led nutrition and physical activity program to promote healthier aging. Poster presentation at ISBNPA 2025 Annual Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand, June 11-14.</li><br /> <li>Vaezi S, Shoemaker ME, Freeling JL, Sanders WM, Dey M. A low-ultra-processed, plant-forward diet with lean red meat enhances metabolic health in older adults at risk for insulin resistance. Poster presentation at Nutrition 2025, American Society of Nutrition (ASN), Orlando, FL, May 31-June 3, 2025.</li><br /> </ol><br /> <p><strong>Invited Talks (2 TOTAL)</strong></p><br /> <ol><br /> <li>Invited Speaker: National Pork Board/American Society for Nutrition – Nutrition 2025, Orlando, FL Rethinking the Plate: Leveraging Food Traditions and Flavor for Dietary Guidelines Adherence Title: Optimizing Protein and Nutrient Intake: A Pathway to Better Diet Quality and Guideline Adherence June 2025</li><br /> <li>Invited Speaker: Indiana University Graduate Nutrition Program – Feb 12thTitle: Protein Intake and Appetite Regulation: Mechanisms, Benefits, and Implications 2025</li><br /> </ol><br /> <p> <strong>Grants and Contracts (16 TOTAL; $1,747,915 total awarded)</strong></p><br /> <ol><br /> <li>Funding Period: August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2028 Title of Grant: Affordability, Nutrition, And Health - The Role of Dietary Protein in Diverse Dietary Patterns Across the Lifespan. Funder: USDA NIFA. Grant Amount: $299,940 Role: Jamie I. Baum, PI</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="2"><br /> <li>Period of Funding: September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2028. Title of Grant: Exploring the Impact of Pulse Consumption as Part of a Healthy Diet on Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes in Older Adults with Overweight/Obesity: The Role of Inflammation and Gut Microbiome. Funder: USDA Pulse Crop Health Initiative. Grant Amount: $325,000 Role: Jamie I. Baum, PI</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="3"><br /> <li>Period of Funding: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Title of Grant: Development and assessment of sustainable protein-based products for metabolic support throughout the lifespan. Funder: University of Arkansas Honors College Research Grant Award Grant Amount: $5,500 Role: Jamie I. Baum, PI</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="4"><br /> <li>Funding Period: 9/2023-5/2028. Title of Grant: Nutritional and clinical predictors of intestinal maturation and feeding tolerance in the preterm infant. Funder: NIH. Name of PD/PI: Donovan/Chapkin. Grant Amount: $3,421,966</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="5"><br /> <li>Funding Period: October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2026 (concluded early) Title of Grant: National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging: A partnership with Iowa and the Administration on Community Living (ACL) Funder: DHHS, ACL. Grant Amount: $4,909,899 (Total received by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Division on Aging and Disabilities); ISU Overall portion: $1,211,579 (2024-25 total is $282,981) Role: Sarah L. Francis ISU Principal Investigator (PI)</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="6"><br /> <li>Funding Period: October 2012 – Present. Title of Grant: Wellness and Independence through Nutrition (WIN): SNAP Outreach Funder: Iowa Department of Human Services Grant Amount: $56,070.55 Role: Sarah L. Francis, PI</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="7"><br /> <li>Funding Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2029. Title of Grant: Partnership StrengthenHer: Empowering women through a community-based virtual sarcopenia prevention program. Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (AFRI) Competitive Grant, United States Department of Agriculture Grant Amount: $1,091,218. Role: Lee Weidauer, PI</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="8"><br /> <li>Period Oct 2024-Oct 2026. Title: Prevention of Cancer Cachexia by Dietary Naringenin: Impact on the Gut-Brain Axis. Funder: Cancer Center and CFAES Role: PI </li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="9"><br /> <li>Period: Sep 2023- Sep 2028. Title: Improving Sarcopenia by Targeting Mitochondria Funder: NIA/NIH R01 AG080184 Amount: $3,049,000 Role: MPI</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="10"><br /> <li>Period: Apr 2023 – Apr 2026 Title: Walnuts, The Gut-Brain Axis and Cognitive Function Funder: USDA NIFA #2022-07315 Amount: $300,000 Role: PI </li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="12"><br /> <li>Period: Mar 2024 – Feb 2029 Title: Contributions of Adipose Tissue to the Development of Pancreatic Cancer Funder: NIH/NCI Amount: $3,000,000 Role: Co-I</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="13"><br /> <li>Mar 2023 – Feb 2028 Title: Fecal microbial transplantation for chemotherapy behavioral side effects Funder: NIH/NCI Amount:$3,000,000 Role: Co-I</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="14"><br /> <li>Period: Jan 2023 – Dec 2026 Title: Uncovering the Feedback Loop Between the Central Nervous System and Adipose Tissue Funder: W. M. Keck Foundation Amount: $ 1,400,000 Role: Co-I</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="15"><br /> <li>Funding Period: August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2028 Title of Grant: Affordability, Nutrition, And Health - The Role of Dietary Protein in Diverse Dietary Patterns Across the Lifespan Funder: USDA NIFA-AFRI Grant Amount: $300,000 Role: Jamie I. Baum, PI</li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="16"><br /> <li>Funding Period: September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2028 Title of Grant: Exploring Impact of Pulse Diet on Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes in Overweight/Obesity Older Adults: Role of Inflammation and Gut Microbiome Funder: USDA Pulse Crop Health Initiative Grant Amount: $310,000 Role: Jamie I. Baum, PI </li><br /> </ol>Impact Statements
- Aging adults face numerous barriers towards achieving optimal health and wellness including chronic disease, nutritional risk, food insecurity and functional impairments. The United States (U.S.) population is experiencing a shift in demographics, as adults aged 60 to 65 years and older, have become the largest growing age group. The USDA NE-2439 Multistate Project “Improving the Healthspan of Aging Adults Through Diet and Physical Activity” is an interdisciplinary team of researchers who are examining diet and activity factors that influence healthy aging through translational research approaches. Our work addresses the numerous factors impacting the health and well-being of older adults including poverty, food security, nutritional risk, dietary intakes, and physical activity. We examine these issues at a cellular, individual and societal level. In 2024 to 2025, we trained 78 undergraduate and 24 graduate students, and 1 post-doctoral associates. Our team members were awarded 16 grants totaling $1,846,242 for projects conducted as part of this multi-state research project. We published 19 journal articles and 11 published abstracts. We gave 2 invited research presentations. The impact of these dissemination efforts provides social, health and environmental benefits to those who interact with older adults thus bridging health policies gaps designed to increase the quality of life for the older urban residing adult. Our undergraduate and graduate students benefited directly by working with faculty in conducting research and/or Extension endeavors. Thus, leading to better prepared students for graduate programs, dietetic internships, and the workforce.