There is one sure thing in life: with each passing day we each get another day older.

For Canada, that simple truth has important implications on health and health care. As the Baby Boom generation begins becoming senior citizens within two years, the prospect of an aging population will shift into reality. Sometime in 2015 seniors will outnumber children. By 2031 about one-quarter of Canadians will be 65 or older.

Just in time, the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging has begun tracking 50,000 Canadians aged 45-85 over 20 years. The overarching goal of the study, one of CIHR's major strategic initiatives, is to investigate what constitutes "optimal and healthy aging."

Meanwhile, CIHR-funded scientists across Canada are looking at growing old in healthy new ways, from examining how older people manage their memories and avoid falling into depression, to building "smart" systems that will help people with dementia perform the routine tasks of daily living. 

Throughout the month of June, CIHR's website will highlight some of the outstanding research being done across Canada.

• Age-old questions
• At peace with the past
• When I'm 65
• Life change