The Healthy Aging After Cancer Laboratory (HACL) studies how lifestyle behaviors, such as physical activity and exercise, can support healthy aging during cancer survivorship. Our research focuses on how individuals age after cancer and how physical activity can improve outcomes such as cognitive function, mobility, and psychosocial health. The overarching goal of the HACL is to help individuals live well long after a cancer diagnosis.

Our approach integrates evidence from observational studies with behavioral and implementation science to design and deliver sustainable physical activity interventions in clinical and community settings. By bridging research and real-world application, we aim to develop strategies that prevent, mitigate, and treat accelerated aging after cancer.

HACL research explores:

• Determinants and outcomes of physical activity behavior after a cancer diagnosis;
• Mechanisms through which physical activity can maximize physiological, cognitive, and psychosocial health during survivorship;
• Use of population-level data to identify key health indicators that can be targeted via lifestyle intervention;
• Implementation facilitators and barriers to sustaining interventions in clinics and communities, and key adaptations to support the integration of lifestyle behaviors into the standard of cancer care

Learn more at hacl.kines.umich.edu.