IOA Report


In this Issue:

-From the Director
-BC Talks Aging IV
-Grant Awardees
-Save the Date
-BC Experts Weigh In

From the Director

Greetings!

As we prepare for the start of another fall semester, I would like to update you on a few of the IOA’s projects.

We have recently released the fifth video in our BC Talks Aging series. Available for viewing at bc.edu/aging, Module IV: Delirium, Depression and Dementia is presented by Connell School of Nursing assistant professor Stewart Bond.

As the spring semester came to a close, we awarded two research grants to BC faculty members in support of their exciting research. Details of which can be found in this newsletter.

I also invite you to join us this fall for two IOA-sponsored events. They include a special luncheon seminar presented by Dr. Howard Litwin and an Opportunities Fair. You’ll find more information regarding these events here, as well.

Enjoy the final weeks of summer.

Sincerely,

James Lubben
Director, Institute on Aging
Louise McMahon Ahearn Professor in Social Work

 

 

BC Talks Aging ScreenshotsBC Talks Aging Module IV: Delirium, Depression and Dementia Now Available

The fourth module in the video series BC Talks Aging is now available for viewing. The video, titled “Delirium, Depression and Dementia,” features Boston College professor Stewart Bond as he provides a comprehensive overview of delirium and describes its epidemiology, common risk factors and etiologies, clinical manifestations, assessment techniques, and prevention and management strategies.

Produced in conjunction with the Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatric Social Work, BC Talks Aging aims to provide learning opportunities for those who wish to gain knowledge and resources on the issues related to aging. Previous modules address social isolation; social and productive engagement; and long-term health implications of early trauma. New videos addressing end of life planning, sleep, and the biology of aging are currently in production.

Watch BC Talks Aging »

 

BC Talks Aging ScreenshotsIOA Awards ARIGs to Dr. Kyung Hee Lee and Dr. Rocio Calvo

The IOA is proud to announce two Aging Research Incentive Grants have been awarded to Boston College faculty members Kyung Hee Lee and Rocio Calvo.

Professor Lee’s research will explore emotional expressions of persons with dementia. In a longitudinal study using repeated observations, Dr. Lee’s goal is to understand how emotional expression varies in these cases. Data from this study has the potential to impact the development of treatment programs for people with dementia. Professor Lee is an assistant professor of adult health in the Connell School of Nursing. Her research interests include the psychological well-being of people with dementia; emotional response to nursing care; and observational study and trajectory analysis.

Professor Calvo aims to investigate the determinants of life satisfaction among minority older adults. The ultimate goal is to identify potential modifiable factors that might account for differences in life satisfaction among minority older adults in order to foster successful aging among this group. Professor Calvo is an assistant professor of global practice and mental health in the School of Social Work. Her areas of expertise include immigrant incorporation, happiness, Latino populations, and social services.

Learn more about ARIG grant opportunities »


Save the Date


Professor Howard LitwinThe Evolving Potential of SHARE Luncheon

Thursday, October 1, 2015 | 12:30 p.m.
McGuinn Hall, Room 521 | Boston College
RSVP to cfc@bc.edu. Lunch will be served.

On October 1, the IOA will host “The Evolving Potential of SHARE: The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe,“ a luncheon featuring Dr. Howard Litwin, professor and former dean at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work & Social Welfare at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dr. Litwin will present the latest features of SHARE, a publicly accessible panel study of persons aged 50 and older that was inspired by the American Health and Retirement Study. Special attention will be given to the measurement of social networks in SHARE and recent findings based upon the new social networks module will be presented. This interdisciplinary event is appropriate for doctoral students and faculty. 


Encore Boston Opportunity Fair

Wednesday, November 18, 2015 | 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Heights Room, Corcoran Commons | Boston College

The Institute on Aging, the Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatric Social Work, and AARP MA will cosponsor the Encore Boston Opportunity Fair, titled "Encore Expo 2015: Experience Makes a Difference." More than 30 organizations will be available to share their volunteer & stipend social mission opportunities with older adults who are looking to share their skills and expertise with organizations in their community. The expo will include a dynamic keynote speaker, David Campbell, founder of All Hands Volunteers, exhibitors, workshops, and networking. This event will be free to the public. More information is available at www.encorebostonnetwork.org.
 

BC Experts Weigh in on "Healthy Aging: Preventing Isolation"

BC Talks Aging ScreenshotsU.S. News & World Report recently spoke with Dr. James Lubben from the School of Social Work and Institute on Aging; and Carrie Johnson of the Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatric Social Work regarding the fact that social connection is key for senior well-being. Both experts are also featured in Module I of the BC Talks Aging series. Read the U.S. News Article »