October 18, 2004

Boise State Announces Center For The Study Of Aging As Baby Boomers Approach Retirement

Members of the fastest growing segment of Idaho’s population – people over the age of 85 – were among hundreds of people on the Boise State University campus today participating in a “listening session” held as a precursor to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. The listening session was coordinated by the office of U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, who serves as chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.   In conjunction with the listening session, Boise State University officials, along with Sen. Craig, announced the creation of a new interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Aging. The Center, guided by the College of Health Sciences and the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs at Boise State, will provide education and training to the community and serve as a resource for faculty and students conducting research on aging.   “In seven short years, the beginning of the tsunami of the Baby Boomer cohort reaches retirement age. Thus, the development of the Center for the Study of Aging could not be more timely,” said James Girvan, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “This Center provides the opportunity to investigate local, state, regional and national policy options that serve to enhance the lives of seniors while maintaining a high quality of life for all residents of the United States regardless of age.”   Initial funding for the Boise State Center comes from a $245,000 grant from the Administration on Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.   Here are some question and answers about the Center for the Study of Aging.   Q. Why does Idaho need a Center for the Study of Aging? A. About 16 percent of Idaho’s residents are currently 60 years of age or older. By 2020, that proportion will rise to about 25 percent. Persons aged 85 and older constitute the fastest growing segment. Their numbers are increasing five times faster than those of the state’s total population.   Q. What will the Center do to meet the needs of Idaho’s seniors? A. The Center will: ·           Support research on aging, with an emphasis on policy analysis and program evaluation ·           Provide non-credit education and training to rural and urban care givers and service providers in health and policy areas related to aging ·           Service as a resource center for community groups, university faculty and researchers who are seeking external funding for studies on aging ·           Develop a graduate certificate in gerontological studies   Q. What are some topics the Center will study? A. Examples of topics that will be addressed by the Center include, but are not limited to: ·           End of life issues ·           Elder abuse and fraud ·           Long-term care ·           Estate planning ·           Home safety ·           Care giving and elder care ·           Drug safety and pain management ·           Retirement planning ·           Disease prevention and health promotion ·           Medicare ·           Health policies   Q. What are the most unique features of the Center? A. Retired seniors will serve as an integral part of Center faculty and staff. Interdisciplinary faculty and research teams will draw from myriad fields including nursing, psychology, sociology, public health, economics, social work, public policy, kinesiology, criminal justice, respiratory care, health promotion and public administration. Additionally, research projects will focus on rural as well as urban issues.   Q. When will the Center be up and running? A. Boise State expects to have a director of board in December. Research staff will also be hired. Initial projects are anticipated to begin early in 2005. Faculty from a variety of disciplines across campus are eager to begin working together on projects to benefit the state and nation.   Q. How can community members find out more information? A. For additional information, contact the office of College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs Dean Dr. Michael Blankenship at (208) 426-3776, or the office of College of Health Sciences Dean Dr. James Girvan at (208) 426-4116.   -30-   Contact: Michael Blankenship, College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, (208) 426-3776, and James Girvan, College of Health Sciences, (208) 426-4116 Media Contact: Pat Pyke, communications and marketing, (208) 426-3275, ppyke@boisestate.edu Online at: http://news.boisestate.edu