Featured News

Virginia Center on Aging receives boost in funding from the General Assembly

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.

VCU geriatrics-themed escape room trains health sciences students

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.

VCU College of Health Professions receives nearly $1M grant to establish elder justice shelter

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.  

"Virginia Memory Project Breakthrough Publication Shines a Light on Novel Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Surveillance"

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.

"Dr. Tracey Gendron's movement to disrupt ageism"

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.

VCoA awarded new ACL Grant: Greater Richmond Elder Justice Shelter

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.

VCU-led dementia registry project becomes established in Virginia law

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.

Gerontology and Virginia Center on Aging colleagues co-author new publication

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. 

Rachel Ramirez featured in podcast on impact of lifelong learning

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. 

VCoA and DARS Present Annual Update on Aging

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.

Abuse in Later Life Trainings

VCoA's Abuse in Later Life Project has launched a fall training series about elder abuse. These trainings are free of charge.

VCoA Hosts Successful Legislative Breakfast

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.