Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions has been expanding its educational and research activities across the state. One of the latest initiatives stems from the Virginia Center on Aging (VCoA), which is making connections with elders from local Native American tribes.
The Virginia Center of Aging has received a six-figure funding boost from the Virginia General Assembly to support one of its core initiatives. The state has allocated $300,000 per year for the next two years for the Virginia Memory Project (VMP), an epidemiological data set designed to assist patients with neurodegenerative conditions in entering a pathway to care while also providing training for providers, referral and support for caregivers.
Though the setting and the man were invented, the lessons for Virginia Commonwealth University health sciences students are grounded in reality. Working in teams during a recent session of the Summer Academy for Geriatrics Exposure, they raced against the clock in an escape room - an interactive learning activity focused on geriatric care. They assessed objects in Harold’s apartment, clues related to memory, medications and ability to age in place.
Two faculty members at the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions have received grant funding to help address food waste.
A new initiative led by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers aims to strengthen one of the most important — and often overlooked — support systems for older adults: a shared meal.
February 11, 2025 - A team of researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions will receive nearly $1 million over the next two years to establish the Greater Richmond Elder Justice Shelter Initiative. The award is funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Elder Justice Innovation Grants program to support six organizations nationwide in addressing the need for shelters for older adults experiencing mistreatment.
Richmond, VA – January 16, 2025 – The Virginia Center on Aging’s (VCoA) Virginia Memory Project (VMP), a groundbreaking initiative focused on improving the surveillance of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) in Virginia, has received national recognition with the publication of its latest research in the prestigious Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.
Tracey Gendron, Ph.D., chair and professor of Gerontology and executive director of the Virginia Center on Aging, recently was featured in Senior Advocate Magazine for her movement to disrupt ageism.
Tracey Gendron, Ph.D., chair and professor of Gerontology and executive director of the Virginia Center on Aging, recently was quoted in a Washington Post article about working later in life.
Annie Rhodes is the Director of the Virginia Memory Project and has been named one of 100 people to meet in 2025!
Recognizing how difficult the holiday season can be, VCU gerontology experts share ways to support older adults and their caregivers.
The Virginia Geriatric Education Center (VGEC) at Virginia Commonwealth University has recently been awarded a $5 million grant renewal to help address the emerging health needs of this growing population.
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has awarded $2.8 million in funding through its Elder Justice Innovation Grants Program. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and well-being of older adults by increasing the availability of emergency and transitional housing and supportive services for older adults, including those with disabilities, who experience abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. The Virginia Center on Aging is one of the six grantees chosen for its significant contribution to addressing issues related to the well-being and safety of older adults. The funding will empower the Center to develop new strategies and resources that will help combat elder abuse and improve the lives of older adults.
What if the concept of "you're only as old as you feel" wasn't as helpful as you may have thought? In her TEDx talk, Dr. Tracey Gendron explains what feeling your age really means, and how we can change the way we think about growing older.
In the United States, about one in ten older adults are estimated to develop dementia in their lifetime, and this number is expected to increase significantly over the next few decades. At Virginia Commonwealth University, a team of researchers, clinicians, and social workers have made it their mission that no person with memory loss or their caregiver goes unaccounted for in Virginia.
However, some experts argue that these concerns are rooted in ageism rather than fact.
Tracey Gendron, Ph.D., executive director, Virginia Center on Aging, and chair and professor of Gerontology, and others weigh in on whether the concern that the presidential candidates are too old to run is rooted in ageism. Listen to the Cincinnati Edition to hear about the implications of age in the presidential race.
Kimberly Ivey, Leland "Bert" Waters, and Sarah A. Marrs recently published Don't Treat Us Like Fragile Babies: Mentors' Perspectives of an Intergenerational Mentoring Program for Medical Students in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships. In the article, the research shows the importance of reciprocal relationships in addressing ageism in health care. This research builds off of previous studies involving older adults mentoring medical students.
VCoA proudly announces the five recipients of this year's Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Research Award Fund.
A network of long-term care medical directors and clinicians will develop best practices around COVID-19 treatments and infection prevention guidelines for senior living communities, nursing homes and other congregate care settings in Virginia.
Rachel Ramirez, executive director of the Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield, recently took part in a podcast for "Chesterfield Behind the Mic." Here, she talks about the mission and work of the non-profit, the way it serves residents, and why it’s so important for us to continue to find ways to learn.
The Virginia Center on Aging and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services hosted the Annual Update on Aging on Wednesday, January 25th. The webinar was very well attended, and we were excited to share our work and demonstrate how it advances the health, well-being and equity for the elders of today and tomorrow. The webinar recording and slide presentation are shared here.
VCoA's Abuse in Later Life Project has launched a fall training series about elder abuse. These trainings are free of charge.
Tracey Gendron, Ph.D., director of the Virginia Center on Aging at VCU, is the author of the new book "Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It." (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)
By Malorie Burkett and Kim Ivey
VCU College of Health Professions
By Malorie Burkett
VCU College of Health Professions
mgburkett@vcu.edu
The Virginia Center on Aging hosted its 36th Annual Legislative Breakfast on January 26, 2022. The breakfast was very well attended, and featured engaging presentations on the successes, challenges, and issues facing Virginians. The event recording and slide presentations are shared here.