Faculty and doctoral students in the School of Aging Studies have begun producing "News You Can Use to Age Well," a series of one-page, reader-friendly research summaries designed to share practical information that older adults can apply in their everyday lives.
The first issue, now available on the School of Aging Studies' Age-Friendly University webpage, highlights research by Andrew Fiscella, PhD, visiting assistant professor of instruction in the School of Aging Studies, on the benefits of physical activity for brain health. The study found that even light exercise can help maintain memory and thinking abilities in older adults, especially those carrying extra weight.
At the end of 2023, the University of South Florida was designated an Age-Friendly University by Age-Friendly University Global Network, which encompasses more than 100 universities worldwide and is dedicated to promoting intergenerational learning, career development, and participation in educational and research programs. Since then, USF has been working to meet the goals of this initiative, including ensuring that the university’s research agenda responds to the needs of an aging society.
The Age-Friendly University project began under the leadership of Kathy Black, PhD, and has been carried forward by faculty and doctoral students in the School of Aging Studies, including Lindsay Peterson, PhD, associate research professor, and students Jessica Vanderwerf, MS, and Natalia Babenko, MPH. Surveys and pilot testing with older adults helped ensure that the materials are accessible, useful, and relevant to the community.
The School of Aging Studies plans to publish new editions of "News You Can Use to Age Well "each month and is seeking faculty partners whose research may be featured. Studies that provide tangible, everyday benefits to older adults will be highlighted as part of this ongoing effort to promote healthy, engaged aging across the university and community.
Faculty interested in sharing research on aging well may contact Lindsay Peterson, PhD, associate research professor in the School of Aging Studies, at ljpeterson@usf.edu. Learn more.