世界人口正在老龄化。在全球范围内，65岁及以上的成年人很快将超过5岁及以下的儿童，这是有史以来的第一次。结果，迫切需要专门从事老龄化的公共卫生专业人员，以解决这一人口不断增长的需求。在“衰老流行病学”课程中，教师和学生研究衰老社会对公共健康的影响以及与衰老相关的多因素变化，这些变化使老年人的健康问题变得重要而独特。
The doctoral program in Epidemiology is anchored in public health and population research and analysis. Students approach research using epidemiologic methods to understand complex human health problems. The PhD requires two years of coursework followed by two (or more) years of research. Students are required to complete a teaching training curriculum and serve as a teaching assistant for methods and topical courses. Additionally, students must complete a written comprehensive exam, a practice oral exam, a preliminary exam, multiple oral and poster presentations, and a final dissertation including presentation and defense.<br>The population of the world is aging. For the first time in history, worldwide there will soon be more adults aged 65 and older than children aged five and younger. As a result, there is an urgent need for public health professionals who specialize in aging to address the needs of this growing segment of the population.<br>In the Epidemiology of Aging track, faculty and students examine the public health impact of aging societies, and the multifactorial changes associated with aging that make health issues for older persons important and unique. The Epidemiology of Aging track is intended for master's, doctoral and postdoctoral students who wish to learn about the unique health challenges facing older adults. It aims to provide advanced training to epidemiologists interested in the major public health and clinical issues relevant to older adults, and the conceptual and methodological framework that form a basis for studies of older populations. In the Epidemiology of Aging track, faculty and students examine the public health importance of aging societies through coursework, journal clubs and research projects. Students within the program benefit from coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, and gerontology offered in departments throughout the school. Students learn about the challenges posed by changes in physical and cognitive functioning, as well as the impact of multi-comorbid diseases in older adults. This track also focuses on the epidemiology of major geriatric syndromes, including frailty, disability, falls and cognitive decline in older populations. Significant attention is dedicated to the understanding of opportunities for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention in the context of the marked health status heterogeneity among older adults. This program focuses on the scientific basis for improved prevention and treatment of adverse functional outcomes in older adults. The strengths of the program include the existing depth of interest and expertise in gerontology, methodology and geriatric medicine at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.