Q: Tell us about CEAL and how it was initially developed.
The Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity(CEAL) was developed out of the “Big Idea Challenge” at SDSU. Recognizing that older adults are the fastest growing segment of our society, the Social Policy Institute proposed a “Healthy Aging Across the Lifespan” project. The demographic changes of existing inequities will significantly impact older adults and their families, and the overall cultural, social, and economic conditions in the San Diego region.
Q: A project of this size must involve others. Can you please describe which community partners are involved?
Absolutely. CEAL has received tremendous community support with a group of over 20 individuals who have been actively participating in the planning, advising, and project development for over a year. As part of SDSU’s College of Health and Human Services, CEAL spearheads efforts to meet the current and emerging challenges of healthy aging across the lifespan through collaboration with government, including the California Department of Aging; San Diego County Aging & Independence Services; cities in San Diego County; with local organizations such as 2-1-1 San Diego, AARP, ElderHelp, OASIS, Glenner Center; with philanthropy partners The San Diego Foundation and Del Mar Healthcare Foundation; and with academic partners from the University of California San Diego (UCSD); as well as graduate and undergraduate students.
Q: What impact within SDSU and the general community do you believe that CEAL will make?
SDSU recently became an Age Friendly University (AFU), the first in San Diego, to align its efforts for inter-disciplinary, inter-generational lifelong learning. The launch of CEAL demonstrates the commitment of SDSU to be a leader in convening and collaborating with local, state and national stakeholders. CEAL’s focus will be on five major aging related issues, policy, workforce development, research, AFU and longevity. CEAL is intended to be a driving force so that older adults and their caregivers can have long and healthy lives of wellness, equity and opportunity.