Proposing a center on aging and well-being: Research, education, and practice considerations

Abstract

Objectives: This environmental scan aimed to discover research interests and educational needs of faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students to inspire research, education, and practice in the development of a centre on aging and well-being for older adults.A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t Method: The scan consisted of: a search of university faculty and researchers regarding research on aging; a survey of graduate students and faculty about interests in aging research and needs of undergraduate students; and key informant interviews. Results:Results offer a conceptualization based on the pillars of research, education andpractice. An inventory of researchers with various levels of expertise and interested in aging was created. Participants offered their perceptions of strengths, as well as challenges and strategies for success. Discussion:These results will be a catalyst for planning and successful development of a centre on aging and well-being. This article addresses a gap in the literature and will assist others undertaking a similar initiative in various geographical and cultural contexts. wordsThis study resulted from a vision to create a centre on aging where researchers, educators, practitioners, and students could contribute to the well-being of older adults residing in a retirement community adjacent to a northeastern Ontario university campus. In addition to a state-of-the art retirement residence, it would also house a research centre for university researchers who focus on older adult health and a practice site for university and college students in collaborative educational programs. Partnering with a private agency, the educational institutions involved could be instrumental in contributing to the well-being of the older adult population of this Northeastern Ontario community and surrounding rural areas. An A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t environmental scan was conducted as little guidance on the conceptualization, planning, and development of a centre was found in the literature. This article describes the scan, a study which aimed to identify: research interests and needs of faculty; key research assets and opportunities; learning needs of undergraduate and graduate students; a conceptualization of the pillars of education, research, and practice; and gaps, concerns, and strategies to achieve this vision.