Research

SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES RESEARCH PROGRAM

The School of Aging Studies conducts significant research on applied aging, aimed at improving clinical practice, public policy, and the well-being of older adults and their families. Our research is funded by federal, state, and private agencies and focuses on four major areas.

Aging and Mental Health:

Studies examine the effects of age-related conditions on quality of life, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, obesity, osteoarthritis, and terminal illness.

This research includes interventions to promote healthy aging and improve quality of life of older adults and their families in the context of chronic mental health problems, physical disease, and disability. This research includes interventions to promote healthy aging in older adults and their families in context of long-term care, chronic mental health programs, physical disease, and disability.

Aging and Health Disparities:

Studies of disparities in health care and outcomes among minority older adults. This research includes studies of African-American and Hispanic elders with chronic conditions such as arthritis, stroke, and cancer.

Cognitive Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease:

Studies of aging and memory, preclinical detection of Alzheimer’s disease, impact of cancer treatment and illness on cognition, and the role of lifestyle factors in preventing and delaying cognitive decline.

This research includes interventions to improve cognitive functioning and activities such as driving in older adults.

Public Policy and Long-Term Care:

Studies examine the effects of informal care- giving, assisted living, nursing homes, hospice and palliative care on cost, quality of care, and the health and well-being of older adults. This research informs the development and evaluation of programs and policies to improve long-term care, assisted living, and end-of-life care.

POSITIVE AGING LAB 

PAL is a research laboratory devoted to the translation of innovations in integrative health into practice. We are interested in applying a multidisciplinary approach to promote the integration of social engagement and mindfulness in daily health behaviors (real food, restful sleep, and efficient movement) in mid to late life. We use a combination of primary and secondary data collections/analyses to uncover the power of integrative health and to develop innovative and cost-effective interventions to improve health and wellbeing among middle-aged and older adults. We work closely with our community and industry partners to ensure that the interventions are feasible, efficient, and pragmatic. 
PAL LAB WEBSITE

PALLIATIVE CARE EDUCATION IN ASSISTED LIVING

The Palliative Care Education in Assisted Living (PCEAL) Lab’s mission is to implement interventions to improve quality of end-of-life care outcomes for persons who live in assisted living, educate providers of persons with life-limiting illnesses with dementia in assisted living about how to provide palliative care, and serve as an outlet for educational resources and tools for assisted living communities so they can provide quality palliative and end-of-life care. 
PCEAL LAB WEBSITE

HOSPICE, PALLIATIVE CARE AND END-OF-LIFE

The Center for Hospice, Palliative Care and End-of-Life Studies at ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵis an innovative research and education center in that we are an equal partnership between an academic medical center/research one university and community provider agencies. Our approach to research is collaborative – in many cases university researchers approach community agencies as sites to conduct research and have access to patient populations. In our work at the Center we conceptualize, conduct, and disseminate research findings as partners. 
END OF LIFE CENTER WEBSITE

The Managing Emergencies and Natural Disasters (MEND)

Lab in the School of Aging Studies at ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵcombines the research of faculty members concerning disaster preparedness for older adults and caregivers.  This work includes federal and foundation grant-funded projects on the effects of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic and disaster preparedness policies and practices.

MEND WEBSITE