Volume 19 - Article 50 | Pages 1749-1758

Biodemography: Research prospects and directions


Date received:	22 Feb 2007
Date published:	30 Sep 2008
Word count:	3114
Keywords:	biodemography, frailty, life span, longevity
DOI:	10.4054/DemRes.2008.19.50

Abstract

The purpose of this opinion report is to outline what I consider to be the most promising areas for future biodemographic research and to suggest ways in which the field can be moved forward. I discuss five major themes: i) biodemography of disability; ii) ecological, developmental, behavioral and evolutionary biodemography; iii) biodemography of sociality; iv) genomic and genetic biodemography; and v) biodemographic modeling and analysis. I consider the last two areas (genomics/genetics; modeling/analysis) as both stand-alone topics and cross-cutting concepts. At the end of the paper I present ideas for charting the future course including strengthening and expanding infrastructure, database and website development, organizing conferences, submitting new training grants, and integrating biodemography into teaching programs.