Bringing the World Together Through Ageing Research: Reflections from the HRS Around the World Meeting in Mexico

In late October, I had the privilege of joining colleagues from across the globe in Aguascalientes, Mexico, for the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Around the World  Network meeting Organised by Professor David Weir. Hosted by Professor Rebeca Wong, and Mauricio Rodrigue Abreu (Director) at the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), this event brought together principal investigators and research teams from over 50 countries, all leading or developing national studies on ageing that form part of the HRS family. It was a global gathering of researchers dedicated to understanding the dynamics of ageing, health, and wellbeing.

I attended as part of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) team, contributing to discussions on how we can continue to strengthen global collaboration in ageing research.

The meeting was a celebration of international cooperation and scientific progress. From the United States, Europe, and Latin America to Asia and Africa, the growing network of HRS sister studies reflects a shared commitment: to generate high-quality, comparable data that deepen our understanding of how people age in different social, cultural, and economic contexts. This year’s meeting highlighted the growing momentum of longitudinal ageing research across Latin America, recognising the remarkable progress of studies such as MHAS (Mexico), ELSI-Brasil, and emerging projects in Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, and Guatemala, all building capacity for longitudinal ageing research across the region.

As more countries launch ageing studies (including Egypt and Nepal), the richness of the global evidence base continues to expand. Together, these studies allow researchers to compare ageing trajectories, identify inequalities, and explore the role of health, work, family, and policy across diverse societies. The harmonisation of design and measurement within the HRS family transforms individual studies into parts of a much larger, interconnected picture of global ageing.

A central theme of this year’s meeting was innovation in data collection, research methods, and collaboration. Presentations highlighted advances in health measurement, the integration of biomarkers and environmental data, and new approaches to digital data collection. Cross-study collaborations, facilitated by the Gateway to Global Aging Data, are strengthening our collective ability to address complex questions about ageing in the 21st century. These collaborations exemplify how shared data infrastructure can accelerate discovery and enable research that is truly global in scope.

During the session on ancillary studies, I had the opportunity to present on retrospective life histories, emphasising their value for understanding how early and mid-life experiences shape later-life outcomes. We also discussed the importance of continuing sub-studies such as the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP), which are advancing global knowledge on dementia and cognitive decline.

A recurring message throughout the meeting was the need to recognise the essential contribution of interviewers and participants—the people who make this research possible. Ensuring that they understand the value and impact of their involvement helps sustain the trust and engagement that longitudinal studies rely on.

Beyond the formal sessions, the meeting provided space for connection and cultural exchange over shared meals, during the tram tour of Aguascalientes, and while experiencing the vibrant Festival de Calaveras. These moments reminded us that behind every dataset are people: participants who generously share their experiences and research teams dedicated to understanding the complexity of later life.

As the global network continues to grow, so too does our capacity to advance science that supports healthy, active, and equitable ageing for all. The work we do together, across countries and disciplines, is more important than ever in a world facing demographic, social, and environmental change.