Development of research

Those who would do gerontology research in developing countries can take advantage of a common strategy for efficiency, the sharing of resources. Only a few approaches and techniques for epidemiological or clinical research are specific to a given age group. The same haematological tests serve in both children and adults. The basic biochemical laboratory, although primarily responsible for measuring albumin and retinol, can also be used to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and growth hormone, which are of concern in studies of the elderly.

Specific equipment needs do exist, however The knee-height caliper [8], which makes measurements specific to the loss of height in the elderly, is in expensive and readily accessible. On the other hand, dual-energy X-ray absorptometry (DXA) and computerized axial tomography (CAT scan) are becoming increasingly useful for defining not only the skeletal tissue but also the soft tissue in the body composition of adults. Huge investments of capital are needed to purchase DXA or CAT scan equipment, which may be beyond the reach of developing countries.