"What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult for each other." — George Eliot

What we do

Aging is an evolving, multidisciplinary field that crosses a range of topics including health, psychological, social, ethical, legal and economic issues.

The Center on Aging is a central, coordinating resource for the promotion and application of research, education and outreach, public policy, and information on aging at the University of Iowa and across the state.

For more information about specific Center on Aging projects and activities, see our Annual Report, and the Medicine Alumni Magazine.

Research

The Center fosters basic, clinical and policy research in aging through

• interdisciplinary collaboration
• research resources
• faculty development
• and by bridging the translation of scientific findings and the implementation of new service models

Center-affliated faculty and staff serve as investigators or assist with the development of research studies ranging from understanding mechanisms and complications of biological aging to issues of cancer and aging to the distinctive problems of aging in a rural state.

Research efforts are directed by:

Associate Director for Basic Science Research, (Appointment Pending);

Susan Schultz, M.D., Associate Director for Clinical Research;

Brian Kaskie, Ph.D, Associate Director for Public Policy

Cancer and Aging Program (CAP)

In 2003, the Center on Aging and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (HCCC) at the University of Iowa received a five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Aging. The grant is intended to accelerate research into the relationship between aging and cancer and to form a formal research program in the HCCC. More information about the CAP and the NIH Initiative is available at http://www.cancerandaging.uiowa.edu/.

Resources for Researchers

In 1999, The Center on Aging organized a Biostatistical Core in Aging Research that offers specialized consultation to interdisciplinary investigators who are preparing applications to conduct research in aging. Dr. Joseph Cavanaugh directs the Center's biostatistical resources.

Other research resources include:

• Research Mentorship and Collaboration Seminar
• Basic Science Task Force on Aging
• Cancer and Aging Program (CAP) Specialized Resources
  • Population-Based Cancer Treatment and Outcome Databases Core
  • CAP Listserv and website
• Index of Geriatric Assessment Tools
• Listserv on Aging
• Seniors Together in Aging Research (STAR)

 

The Center also coordinates, co-sponsors, and promotes many research-focused educational opportunities such as workshops, conferences, seminars, journal clubs, guest lectures, and symposia. During the Annual Research Week, sponsored by the Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, the Center helps judge poster entries and presents awards for best posters on research in aging.

 

Policy Analysis & Program Outreach

The Center offers public policy analysis, evaluation, consultation and information on issues related to the health and well being of older adults.

Partnerships with state agencies, federal policymakers, private sector health providers, other Regent's institutions, and non-profit interest groups for elders help address timely policy areas such as mature workforce development, mental health and aging, access to long-term care,Medicare and Medicaid benefits, and community services planning and evaluation.

Often, community professionals and organizations, the news media, policymakers and others contact the COA seeking experts on various topics in aging. The public can easily access this information by searching the Center's Directory of Faculty Associates and Professional Staff in Aging on our website.

 

Education & Training

Educational and training opportunities in aging are available for undergraduates and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, professionals and adult learners. A critical objective is to keep pace with the growing demand for researchers, educators, and service providers with advanced training in geriatrics and gerontology. Programs are offered both on-campus through lectures and coursework, as well as off-campus through the Iowa Communications Network, Internet, cable television outlets and community presentations.

 

The Center is a member of the Iowa Consortium of Aging Programs, which works to broaden educational offerings in aging. Click here for a schedule of programs offered via the Iowa Communications Network.

 

An Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellowship in Aging enables students to integrate multidisciplinary experiences, training and research. Click on the link above to learn more about this education-broadening program.

 

Annually, the Center hosts the Joseph L. Parkin Memorial Lecture on Aging. The Lectureship brings a distinguished scholar to campus to address a timely topic in aging at a public lecture. Since 1996 this endowed lecture has attracted a diverse group of notable scholars who have addressed a wide range of topics in aging.

 

The Center has developed a university-based Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) that uses new learning environments to engage older adults in life-enhancing experiences. In cooperation with existing University and community resources, the OLLI serves as a source of new class-based, service-based and experiential learning for older adults using four main focus areas:

1. Civic engagement focus
   A Senior Community Leadership Program will expose older adults to the composition, challenges and opportunities in their community and state.
   
2. Entrepreneurial focus
   Older individuals will be linked to University resources, faculty and students to learn about and help influence business, social and technological innovations. We will explore mentoring, job shadowing, joint venture investigations, courses and career assessment to develop this learning environment.
   
3. Health and well-being focus
   This focus uses experiential learning that goes beyond traditional fitness activities, health promotion information and disease-focused courses.
   
4. Class-based learning focus
   OLLI will offer classroom-based courses of interest that take advantage of UI resources. For example, The Carver College of Medicine Mini-Medical School Program and the UI Alumni Association will use UI resources to provide lecture-type forums on topics of interest around the state, as well as in the Iowa City area.

Whenever possible, the OLLI will include exposure to new technologies and innovative learning strategies, in combination with intergenerational, multidisciplinary and multicultural elements. Implications of relevant emerging research, clinical, and policy findings also will be incorporated into learning experiences.

 

 

Clinical Geriatric Services

The Center on Aging works with University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC) faculty and staff to promote clinical research and training opportunities and to raise public awareness about clinical resources and services in aging. Click here for information about specific UIHC clinic services and UI clinical trials, as well as other geriatric resources.

Information Dissemination & Resources