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2023 MSU AgeAlive Research Forum
“Living A Purposeful Life with Dementia” Set for April 27
Offers Participants Inspiring, Informative Insight into Dementia-related Issues

April 21, 2023
(East Lansing, Michigan) – MSU AgeAlive will host their 2023 Research Forum, “Living a Purposeful Life with Dementia,” on Thursday, April 27, providing insight into the latest dementia-related research and initiatives. Offered both in-person and virtually, the free event will run from 9 am – 1 pm at the MSU Federal Credit Union Community Room – Farm Lane Branch located at 4825 Mt. Hope Rd in East Lansing and via Zoom. Dementia impacts more than 55 million people world-wide and more than double that number is expected to receive a diagnosis by 2050, according to the World Health Organization.
“It is a life-changing diagnosis that is often framed in terms of its negative impact on individuals and families,” said Clare Luz, Ph.D., director, MSU AgeAlive, and associate professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine. “The 2023 MSU AgeAlive Forum presents a remarkable opportunity for us to reframe how we think about dementia, to learn about how individuals living with dementia can continue to live their best lives, with meaning, purpose and joy. We’re honored that several such individuals will share their stories with us and then lead an engaging, interactive discussion with the audience.”
This year’s forum will feature an inspiring keynote by Brenda Roberts, M.A., executive director of The National Council of Dementia Minds, which is the first national nonprofit organization founded and governed by persons living with dementia. Brenda’s husband, Mark, was diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2014. Together they have made the intentional decision to live their best lives possible and to surround themselves with like-minded people. Brenda’s keynote, “Persons Living with Dementia Transforming the World View of Neurocognitive Disorders,” will help dispel myths about what it means to live with dementia.
A special panel and video presentation, “Persons Living with Dementia Promoting Well-being Through Education and Advocacy," will also offer moving, first-hand, personal stories about living one's best life with dementia. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
“Our presentation will transform our view of living with dementia,” said Brenda Roberts, M.A., executive director of The National Council of Dementia Minds. “People are receiving a dementia diagnosis at an earlier age, and it is important to reduce the stigma and barriers resulting from the diagnosis. Persons living with dementia will clearly demonstrate there is a lot of good life to be lived after a dementia diagnosis.”
The forum also will feature:

•       Welcome & Opening Remarks by Clare Luz, Ph.D., director, MSU AgeAlive, and associate professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine
        and Deborah Harrison, M.A., advisor, MSU AgeAlive, and founder, Michael Harrison Fund for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care.
•       The latest in dementia research at MSU also will be highlighted by Research Gem Panelists Fei Sun, Ph.D., professor, MSU School of Social Work; Scott E. Counts, Ph.D., associate professor, MSU Department of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine and Irving E. Vega, Ph.D., Red Cedar distinguished professor, MSU College of Human Medicine and associate professor, Department of Translational Neuroscience.

A light breakfast will be provided along with an opportunity to visit resource tables and see special arrangements made by MSU AgeAlive Artist-in-Residence Zahrah Resh, the visionary behind MSU AgeAlive’s Butterfly Garden projects. Author Carol L. Monson, D.O., M.S., also will be available with her new book, Aging Optimally: Essential Tools for Healing Pain of Body, Mind, and Spirit.
Space is limited. Registration is requested by Tuesday, April 25. For more information or to register, visit: www.agealive.org. MSU AgeAlive is a program within the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, dedicated to building a cohesive university-wide aging unit, portfolio and communication network, and community partnerships that can bring people interested in aging-related issues together.

MSU AgeAlive and Asian Studies Program
Host Healing Butterfly Garden Parade, Reception and Exhibit
Invite MSU Campus and Community to Join

March 11, 2023
(East Lansing, Michigan) – In an effort to bring healing and hope, Michigan State University (MSU) AgeAlive in partnership with the Asian Studies Program invites the MSU campus and greater community to the opening of a special Butterfly Garden Exhibit, “Together We Heal, Grow, and Soar” at the Delia Koo International Academic Center with a parade and opening reception. The exhibit marks three years since the start of the pandemic as well as healing and hope one month after the heartbreaking violence on the MSU campus.
 
The Butterfly Migration Parade will begin on the MSU campus at noon at the Plant & Soil Sciences Greenhouse (1066 Bogue St) on Monday, Mar. 13. Those interested in participating in the parade are encouraged to arrive at 11:30 a.m. Participants will then transport hundreds of green and white butterflies on bamboo branches, made by 100s of campus and community members, to the International Center Butterfly Garden Exhibit. The parade will be led by Jabbar Bennett, Ph.D., MSU vice president and chief diversity officer. Events will continue on Thursday, Mar. 16 with the Butterfly Garden Big Reveal Grand Opening Reception beginning at 5 p.m. at the International Center (427 N Shaw Ln). The exhibit will run through Sunday, May 14.
 
“MSU AgeAlive Butterfly Gardens exemplify a commitment to good health and well-being for all people of all ages and to building unity and a sense of belonging to a community that welcomes and celebrates diversity,” said Clare C. Luz, Ph.D., associate professor and director of MSU AgeAlive, Department of Family & Community Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine. “The Butterfly Gardens and other programs are designed to enrich lives and represent partnerships with multiple organizations across the MSU campus and community. They offer opportunities for connection, healing, joy, and growth.”

“This month marks the third anniversary since the COVID-19 pandemic began so we partnered with MSU AgeAlive to create a Butterfly Garden. Our goals were to show the rich culture of Japan, to show Japanese/Asian solidarity and resilience due to an increase in hate crimes against people of Asian descent following the pandemic, and to help the community heal following the pandemic and the tragedy of February 13, said Mariko Kawaguchi, instructor of Japanese, Japanese Studies Program, MSU Department of Linguistics, Languages, & Cultures.
MSU AgeAlive is a program within the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, dedicated to building a cohesive university-wide aging unit, portfolio and communication network, and community partnerships that bring people, of all ages, interested in aging-related issues together.

As a National Resource Center (for Pan Asia) under the US Department of Education's Title VI program, the Asian Studies Center at Michigan State University directs one of the largest, most diverse programs of education about Asia in the Midwest. The Japan Council of Asian Studies Center consists of affiliated faculty members and staff from various academic departments, all of whom share research, teaching, or outreach interests in Japan Studies. For more information, visit https://asia.isp.msu.edu.

For additional information on MSU AgeAlive or to complete the optional registration for the events, visit agealive.org.
 

​MSU AgeAlive Hosts 2022 Awards Ceremony
Highlights Aging-Related Research & Initiatives that Promote Lifelong Well-being

December 1, 2022
​Michigan State University (MSU) Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., opened the MSU AgeAlive third Annual Awards Ceremony, Thursday, Dec. 8. The event was held 4-5 p.m., via Zoom. Serving as this year’s emcee was Alexis Travis, Ph.D., appointed as MSU’s first assistant provost and executive director of University Health and Wellbeing.

This year’s event included two Research in Aging Awards given in recognition of individuals who have contributed substantially to the well-being of older adults and others throughout their research careers.

Awards were presented to the following MSU faculty members for their outstanding aging-related research:

• Scott Counts, Ph.D., Department of Translational Neuroscience, MSU College of Human Medicine
• Fei Sun, Ph.D., MSU School of Social Work
  
  

The annual Intergenerational Award was presented to:

• Jessica Wright, education coordinator and interim director, on behalf of the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden in recognition of leadership in fostering intergenerational experiences.
  
  

A Legacy Award was presented to:

• Charles Gliozzo, Ph.D., professor emeritus of History and director emeritus of the MSU Office of Overseas Study, in recognition of an outstanding history of service to others that improves quality of life and well-being for individuals and society.
  
  

“Aging-related research and intergenerational initiatives are critical to increasing well-being and quality of life across the lifespan. We are delighted to recognize these outstanding individuals who have dedicated their work towards this mission – contributing to both the innovative research at MSU and our understanding of aging issues as a society,” said Clare C. Luz, Ph.D., associate professor and director of MSU AgeAlive, Department of Family & Community Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine.

MSU AgeAlive is dedicated to building a cohesive university-wide aging unit, portfolio and communication network, and community partnerships that can bring people interested in aging-related issues together. MSU AgeAlive’s institutional home is in the Department of Family & Community Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine. For additional information on MSU AgeAlive, visit our Home Page to learn about other upcoming events and activities. 
 

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Nutrition Program A Success

MSU AgeAlive offered two nutrition education classes with Abby Richey, MSU Health 4U Dietician, and two Cooking Demos with Chef Rajeev, MSU Chef this spring. "We extend our thanks to both of these generous individuals for their time and for doing an excellent job," said Lori Strom, MSU AgeAlive Leadership Council member. "They were both a huge hit and were well received by the participants".
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An estimated 60 people registered for all four of the sessions. AgeAlive extends special thanks to Bailey Center, Newman Lofts, and Allen Neighborhood Center for hosting the events; Kelly Arndt and the Friends of Prime Time for their support of Chef Rajeev and Abby; and Lori, Kelly, and Gloria for their help on the planning committee. A sincere thanks is also extended to the MSU Social Science Scholar student intern Katie Heeder for doing an excellent job being in charge and coordinating the events.

Thank you to everyone that participated. We look forward to following up in the future with more programming. 

Testimonials from some of our class participants: 
"Great cooking demo. I enjoyed learning a new way to prepare a light salad and enjoyed the finished meal!" 
"The session was great, and I appreciate all who helped make it so."
"More sessions with Chef Rajeev. He is excellent!"
​"Great, easy to use nutrition tips and recipes!"

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In The News

New study finds that the older we get, the more grateful we are
December 13, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer

The saying goes, “with age comes wisdom,” but according to a recent study from Michigan State University, with age also comes an increase in one’s gratitude for the relationships, experiences and material things that we have. 

"As we age, we begin to realize that life is short. As a result, we tend to invest in more meaningful and rewarding relationships in our lives—leading to greater positivity and well-being," said William Chopik (pictured left), associate professor of psychology and director of MSU’s Close Relationships Lab. "It looks like one way that happens is through gratitude—an emotion that binds people in relationships together."
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PBS News Hour Reports

Clare Luz, AgeAlive Director is featured in a two-part report from PBS News Hour regarding the PCA workforce shortage.


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Journal Articles

Learn about the history of AgeAlive and its work at helping identify how MSU meets the Age Friendly University principles:

Luz, C., and Baldwin, R. 2019. Pursuing age-friendly university principles at a major university: Lessons in grassroots organizing. Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. doi: 10.1080/02701960.2019.1583224 

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