AGING
How can we better understand the risks posed to older adults by environmental exposures?
Why aging?
The United States is experiencing a considerable growth in its older population. Currently, it is estimated that 50 million people in the U.S. are 65 and older. By 2050, this number will rise to approximately 83.7 million.
In 2012, the U.S. Government estimated that there were 22,200 assisted living facilities in the U.S. with roughly 1 million residents. The demand for these facilities is expected to grow dramatically over the next two decades as baby boomers continue to retire.
Despite the growing interest in quality of care and the increasing number of adults transitioning to assisted living, there is limited research on the characteristics of the environment and the services assisted living facilities should provide to ease the transition of older adults to these spaces.
Desired outcomes from our studies
Controlled studies will examine the success of environmental- and behavior-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of aging adults across the lifespan.
Insights from studies conducted in the Well Living Lab can be translated outside the lab in real-world residential, office, and independent living settings.