The Healthy Elderly Active Longevity Study, nicknamed the “Wellderly” Study, began enrollment in 2007 and focuses on understanding the genetic components of healthy aging. 

The objective of this study is to obtain blood and/or saliva samples in order to help model health and disease phenotypes through population genomics. Initially enrollment was open to individuals 80 years of age or older, but was later raised to 85 years of age and older. 

Individuals enrolled into the study must be healthy or may have mild medical conditions associated with the normal aging process. Phenotypic information collected includes basic demographic information such as birthdate, height and weight at time of enrollment. It also includes data on alcohol use, tobacco use, exercise, highest level of education, the birthplace of their grandparents, prescription medications used, any activities of daily living they require assistance with; any chronic conditions (which are accepted in the study inclusion criteria) and lastly the date of their last physical exam.