Research

Recognizing the field of aging research is rapidly evolving, driven by demographic shifts and a growing understanding of the complexities surrounding aging populations, CEAL established the Regional Aging Research Network (RARN).

Guiding Values

– Involve community and other stakeholders to address relevant community issues impacting the aging population.
– Emphasis on diversity and the needs of underserved populations.
– Engage students and faculty through thesis and dissertation work, intergenerational opportunities, and career development.
– Forward thinking innovation using technology to address social isolation and support aging in place.
– Focus on quality of life, sense of purpose, and resilience. 

Challenges

Complexity of Aging: The multifaceted nature of aging requires interdisciplinary collaboration to address the medical, psychological, social, and economic dimensions effectively.

Data and Ethics: Handling vast amounts of data while ensuring privacy and ethical considerations is a challenge in aging research, particularly with sensitive health information.

Translation to Practice: Bridging the gap between research findings and practical applications in healthcare, policy, and community settings.

Inclusivity: Ensuring research includes diverse older populations, representing various ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and health status is essential for comprehensive insights.

Policy Alignment: Aligning research findings with policies that support healthy aging and address the needs of older adults requires effective communication between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders.

RARN Chairs

For more information on RARN, contact mmatter@sdsu.edu.