Welcome   |   Gerontology Program Overview

The study of adult development and aging has become a central focus of researchers and educators in almost every university in the United States.  At the University of Pittsburgh, social science, medical, and legal expertise on aging issues can be found throughout the University.  These human resources are augmented by extensive research, service, and training facilities that provide both direct services to older adults in the Pittsburgh region and hands-on training to students and research fellows.

The mission of the Gerontology Program is to initiate, coordinate, and facilitate research on aging.  In collaboration with faculty in more than a dozen different disciplines (e.g., Psychiatry, Anesthesiology, Rheumatology, Nursing, Epidemiology), Program faculty and staff play an active role in developing proposals for research focused on psychosocial, behavioral, cognitive, and physical aspects of aging.  The principal goals of the Gerontology Program are to:

1. Stimulate the development of externally funded research in six areas: physical and mental health of older adults; the use of technology to improve older adults' quality of life; work and retirement; aging and social institutions; socialization and social support; and cultural differences and aging
2. Operate as the information hub for interdisciplinary research and training resources throughout the University
3. Assist in the development of new gerontological training and service programs that serve the research and training missions of the University

The University Council on Aging includes faculty and administrators from the Schools of the Health Sciences and Arts and Sciences.  This Council currently provides guidance on the development of a comprehensive database on research and training programs in aging at the University, reviews existing research and training programs for possible enhancement and integration, and identifies new research and training initiatives in aging.

Program faculty and staff serve as investigators on numerous research studies focused on older adults and their families, including:

• the Geriatric Education Program of Pennsylvania (GEC/PA)
• the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (REACH)
• the Pittsburgh Mind-Body Center (PMBC)