RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN GERONTOLOGY

Introduction
Involved Researchers
Ongoing Research
Recently Published Articles

The Department, the Arnold School, and the University have a substantial research focus in gerontology. The aging of our population makes this a critical field for public health. Carol Cornman directs the OSA. The OSA has maintained a state-wide population-based Alzheimer’s Disease Registry since 1988. The OSA also conducts research on access to health care, disaster preparedness, health disparities, long term care, medication management, and physical activity—all with a focus on older populations. The OSA also works closely with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, developing, providing, and evaluating programs for the state’s seniors. Public health gerontology is inherently interdisciplinary. Department faculty collaborate for research on aging with faculty in Exercise Science; Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior; and Health Services Management and Policy; as well as the Prevention Research Center, the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center, the USC School of Medicine, the USC School of Pharmacy, and other University colleges and schools. Other Department faculty conduct related research on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and disaster preparedness. At the University level, Healthy Aging Research Consortium stimulates coordinated research on aging among many departments and schools.

Involved Researchers:
Steven Blair P.E.D.
James Hébert Sc.D.
Robert McKeown Ph.D.

Ongoing Research:
Physical Exercise to Prevent Disability Pilot Study (The LIFE Study)
Steven Blair P.E.D.
NIH/NIA
October 1, 2003 – September 30, 2007
This 4-site study will assess the outcome of major mobility disability on persons aged 70-85 years, comparing a physical exercise program with a health education control.

Recently Published Articles:
Nelson ME, Rejeski WJ, Blair SN, Duncan PW, Judge JO, King AC, Macera CA, Castaneda-Sceppa C. Physical Activity and Public Health in Older Adults: Recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2007; 39:1435-45.

Sui X, LaMonte MJ, Laditka JN, Hardin JW, Chase N, Hooker SP, Blair SN. Cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity as mortality predictors in older adults. JAMA 2007; 298:2507-16.

Riddoch CJ, Mattocks C, Deere K, Saunders J, Kirkby J, Tilling K, Leary SD, Blair SN, and Ness AR. Objective measurement of levels and patterns of physical activity. Arch Dis Child 2007; 92: 963-9.