Research Centers Collaborative Network Workshop on Sex and Gender Differences in Aging.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sex and Gender Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Aging processes differ between males and females, yet the specific impacts of sex and gender are poorly understood.
• The concepts of sex and gender are frequently conflated, hindering clarity in aging research.
• A conference convened by the Research Centers Collaborative Network aimed to address these knowledge gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current understanding of sex and gender differences in aging.
• To identify research opportunities and challenges in the field.
• To propose recommendations for advancing sex and gender research in aging.

Main Methods:

• Summary of proceedings from a 1.5-day conference on sex and gender differences in aging.
• Inclusion of discussions on comparative biology, pathophysiology, clinical care, and social contexts.
• Identification of expert perspectives from leaders in aging research.

Main Results:

• Highlighted the need for multidisciplinary research to address gaps in understanding sex/gender differences.
• Emphasized the necessity of a systematic approach to investigate the mechanisms and health implications of these differences.
• Identified potential biases in clinical treatment and outcomes related to sex and gender.

Conclusions:

• Recommended improved data collection tools for epidemiological research on sex and gender.
• Advocated for a life course perspective, including developmental origins and critical life stages.
• Stressed the importance of innovative animal models and integrating sex/gender into education and clinical practice.