The overall aim of this project is to explore the social, psychological and physical determinants of resilient aging among Kenyan adults aged 35 years and above. We aim to discover how and why some individuals flourish in the face of adversity, while others show an accelerated aging process, which puts them at risk for frailty and dementia. Importantly, we aim to identify unique biopsychosocial factors that predict resilience and frailty in the Kenyan context. Using culturally sensitive measures and advanced statistical models supported by machine learning techniques, we aim to identify indicators of brain and cognitive aging in Kenyan adults.
This study will examine real-life stressors, such as major health diagnoses like breast or prostate cancer, affecting over 20,000 Kenyans annually. The program seeks to uncover cultural elements that enhance resilience, promote healthy brain aging, and mitigate vulnerabilities associated with aging and diseases like dementia, which affects 1 in 10 elderly Kenyans.
The findings will be a valuable resource for future studies on the effects of various stressors—ranging from illness and poverty to substance abuse and climate change—on the well-being of individuals and families in Africa. This project marks a significant step in understanding aging in East African communities, offering tools to support healthier and more resilient futures.
