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MSU AgeAlive Hosts 2022 Research Forum
Highlights Aging Research & Initiatives

MSU AgeAlive held their 2022 Research Forum this week highlighting some of the latest statewide and MSU aging-related research and initiatives. The keynote presenter for the event was Paula Cunningham, state director for AARP Michigan, who presented on “Aging in an Age-Friendly Michigan.”

The event was held at the MSU Federal Credit Union Headquarters in East Lansing on April 21 where AgeAlive is also hosting its annual MSU AgeAlive Butterfly Exhibit in partnership with the MSUFCU and featuring local artist Zahrah Resh, through May 9th.

“The annual AgeAlive Research Forum gives us the opportunity to showcase all of the great community-engaged, aging-related research and initiatives happening at MSU,” said Clare Luz, PhD, assoc. professor, MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and director of MSU AgeAlive. “It reflects MSU’s commitment, as the state’s Land Grant university, to address major social issues such as rapid population aging,”

Other presentations included:

How an Age-Friendly University Benefits Everyone
Building Capacity for Lifelong Learning: A 21st Century Imperative
Looking Back, Looking Ahead: The MSU Strategic Plan and Expanding the Idea of Lifelong Learning at MSU
An MSU Aging Research “Gems” Panel featuring MSU student and faculty researchers presenting their age-related research on the following topics:
- MSU and EMU College Student Caregiver Study
- A Strength-Based Approach to Community-Based Aging Research
- Brain Sharpness Initiative: Keeping Your Wits in Your Golden Years
- Health and Well-Being of African-American Older Adults with a History of Incarceration

“For the first time in history, there will soon be more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 18. Communities need to be talking about what this means for health care, education, housing, and the economy among other factors,” said Paula Cunningham, state director for AARP Michigan. “AARP is committed working with other key organizations such as MSU AgeAlive to generate discussion and collaboration on these issues that engage individuals at all ages.”

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. For additional information, visit 2022 Research Forum.

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."

PBS News Hour Reports

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

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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