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Statistical Methods in Aging Research: Improving Current Practices and Embracing Emerging Approaches
Deependra K Thapa1, Erik S Parker1, Mounika Kandukuri2
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Indiana, USA.
Annual Review of Statistics and Its Application
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Aging research requires careful statistical method application. This review discusses emerging and classic statistical techniques, offering improvements to enhance scientific rigor in aging studies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Statistical rigor is crucial for advancing aging research.
- The application of statistical methods in aging research presents significant challenges.
- Both novel and established statistical techniques require critical evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review statistical methods relevant to aging research.
- To identify statistical issues and suggest improvements or alternatives.
- To enhance the application of sound statistical methods in aging research.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of statistical methods into emerging and classic/existing.
- Review of relevance, statistical issues, and suggested improvements for each method.
- Inclusion of examples from aging research to illustrate applications.
Main Results:
- Discussion of emerging methods (e.g., molecular aging clocks, treatment heterogeneity) needing validation.
- Analysis of classic methods (e.g., stepwise regression, GZLM) requiring refinement.
- Identification of specific statistical challenges in aging research.
Conclusions:
- Researchers should refine traditional statistical approaches.
- Embracing emerging statistical methods tailored for aging research is essential.
- Improved statistical practices will enhance the scientific rigor of aging research.
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