Western Kentucky University

Center for Gerontology


Greetings from the WKU AGING

Where age is more than a number

 

Gerontology Home Page Picture

 

The Center has three strategic goals:

  • Prepare new generations of aging advocates to work with older adults, their families and their communities.
  • Contribute to new knowledge on aging populations, cohorts and communities in Kentucky and the southeast through the conduct of applied aging research.
  • Enhance local capacity for older adults and the communities in which they live through the dissemination of community based research, best practices and sponsorship of programmatic activities.

Philosophy

WKU Aging is guided by the belief that optimal aging is attainable on both the individual and community level and requires implementing holistic strategies. Keys inlude increasing or maintaining physical activity, improving eating habits, preventing disease, injury and disability, maximizing financial and physical independence and maintaining active participation with the community. Located within a historically rural environment, the Center recognizes the value of interdisciplinary and intergenerational collaboration in developing approaches that respect the needs of older adults and the rural communities that support them. Committed to balancing gerontological theory with practice, the Center nurtures dynamic partnerships between agencies working on aging issues, Western Kentucky University and the international community

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The Center is an inaugural member of the prestigious Global Ageing Research Network (GARN) through the International Association of Gerontontology and Geriatrics -- September 2011. 

 

 Last Modified 4/9/12