The study of aging is currently a central theme for society, as in 2024, the global life expectancy at birth reached 73.3 years, reflecting an increase of 8.4 years since 1995. The global population aged 60 and older is expected to rise from 1.1 billion in 2023 to 1.4 billion by 2030 (World Health Organization). Although aging is stereotypically associated to negative traits, studies have shown that neural plasticity is possible during the entire lifespan and that physical and cognitive performance can be maintained in the elderly within biological constraints.

Indeed, plasticity models have suggested that cognitive reserve can be built throughout the lifespan to support high cognitive functions. Factors that appear to promote healthy aging are diet quality, physical activity, social engagement, and sleep, among the others. 

Research has also revealed that these practices might protect against cognitive decline, thus urging science to develop new preventive strategies.

In order to promote healthy aging and maximize the quality of life by ensuring good maintenance of physical, psychological, and cognitive well-being, it is essential not only to identify risk factors that can lead to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, but also to shed light on social factors underlying  the process of aging. Recent studies have suggested that age stereotypes have increased, leading to the concept of ‘‘ageism”. The internalization of such prejudice negatively influences the cognitive performance and self-perceptions of older people, increasing the risk of loneliness and decline. 

Within this broader, the current special issue aims at shedding light not only on new neuroscientific and clinical approaches to healthy as well as atypical aging, but also to document new approaches to the study of aging, which include the understanding of metacognitive abilities of older adults, as well the emotional and cognitive changes that occur in advanced age, and how early interventions can promote health in aging, considered from a physical, cognitive and emotional perspective.

This Research Topic aims to highlight female contributions to Aging Neuroscience, with a particular focus on new and understudied perspectives and challenges. We welcome both opinion articles discussing emerging challenges and perspectives in Aging Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, as well as experimental studies employing rigorous methodologies to address novel questions in this domain. Submissions are not limited to neuroscience; contributions from cognitive and sociological perspectives on aging are also encouraged. To be considered for this collection, the first or last author must be a researcher who identifies as female.
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Women in Aging Neuroscience: new perspectives and challenges