Applied Learning and Research on Healthful Aging
The Center for Excellence in Aging and Health (CEAH) was conceived in 2017 and launched in 2018 with the hire of Founding Director Tom Meuser, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and gerontologist with New England roots (retired as of June 2024). The CEAH is a university-wide center focused on engaging faculty and students in applied learning, service, and research on healthful aging. Advancing SWAG视频鈥檚 identity as an Age Friendly University and promoting intergenerational engagement are top priorities.
Supporting SWAG视频鈥檚 Strategic Priorities
Focused Research and Scholarship
The Legacy Scholars Program (LSP) invites adults, aged 55 years and older, to join with SWAG视频 faculty, professional staff, and students in shared scholarship on healthful aging. Scholars (n = 700 and growing) contribute to a robust, longitudinal data clearinghouse through annual surveys, and they give generously of their time and talents in support of approved research by SWAG视频-based and outside investigators. Important research partners include the SWAG视频 Center for Excellence in Public Health and the . Learn more about current and past projects in our .
Exceptional Teaching and Learning
The CEAH offers a variety of educational programs online and in-person for the SWAG视频 family, our scholars, and other friends. Many such offers are made possible through key internal (e.g., SWAG视频 Center to Advance Interprofessional Education and Practice) and external partners (e.g., ).
Engagement with Local, Regional, and Global Partners
Dr. Meuser likes to say: 鈥渢he best way to teach students about aging is by linking them personally with older adults.鈥 Such engagement is possible online as much as in-person in the age of Zoom. Locally, the CEAH supports student service-learning and intergenerational engagement through the , an affordable housing provider for 650+ older adults near to our Portland Campus for the Health Sciences. This local partnership provides innumerable opportunities for students of all types to practice their professional skills and serve others at the same time. Other important partners in senior housing include , , and .
Contact
Interested in connecting with or collaborating with the CEAH? Contact Mike Sheldon, Ph.D., at msheldon@une.edu.
