Category: Blog

By Afrah Shah, Graduate Intern, SPI Social Policy Institute In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Center for Excellence in Aging and Longevity (CEAL) pays tribute to the remarkable contributions made by women in the fields of gerontology and healthy aging. Their contributions have not only enriched the field of gerontology but have also significantly…

By Jocelyn Smith, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute When we think about sex education, most of us can conjure up the stereotyped, yet widely suffered (and terribly mortifying) high school encounter involving a health teacher, a banana, and a condom.  And… that might be it. Getting proper sexual health education and support across the lifespan…

Conclusion of the 3-part series by Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute The existing home care service cycle is riddled with numerous vulnerabilities that leave many individuals overlooked and underserved. Addressing the gaps will require a collaborative effort involving diverse stakeholders from various sectors. Currently, proactive measures are already underway to overcome the challenges.…

Part two of a three-part series by Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute Addressing access to home care aid involves confronting two immense challenges: housing and healthcare. These critical domains represent two of the five factors within the social determinants of health that play a role in influencing health outcomes. The absence of support in these…

Part one of a three-part series by Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute Our personal autonomy ebbs and flows throughout our lives. The first steps of a child signify the emergence of newfound independence, yet even in those moments, the reach for a reassuring guiding hand accompanies each wobbly step. This process of self-discovery and interdependence…

By Etta Thordarson, MSW Intern, SDSU Social Policy Institute Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a devastating issue across the United States, particularly impacting older adults (60+). While many acknowledge the common health risks associated with aging, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and dementia, fewer consider the impact of social loneliness on health.  Did you…

By Afrah Shah, Graduate Intern, SPI Social Policy Institute In honor of Black History Month, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals who dedicated their lives to improving the well-being of older adults. Here, we highlight five remarkable people in American history and modern-day who made significant strides in advocating for the needs of…

By: Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute Think about your circle of friends—they likely share similar life experiences to you, given their similar ages. But when was the last time you engaged in a conversation with someone significantly younger or older than you? A conversation that leaves you with a fresh insight into another…

By: Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute Between the months of October and January, the air is electrified with a blend of celebration and anticipation. It’s a season where homes twinkle with the warmth of Christmas lights, where we gather with cherished loved ones to share moments of grace, and where we plan promises…

By: Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute When you think of going home, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? It’s probably the warmth of those familiar pictures on the walls, the comfort of your own bed, and the reassuring presence of your cherished belongings. Home is where the heart is, but more…