THE DE TORNYAY CENTER WELLNESS NETWORK: ENHANCING THE WELLNESS OF ELDERS IN OUR COMMUNITY. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eagen, T; Zaslavsky, O; Woods, N; Wang, D; Cochrane, B
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 167
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.603
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: As the elder population continues to expand and diversify, the importance of understanding factors contributing to wellness intensifies. The de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging is launching a Wellness Network (WN)--a data-driven approach to engage communities in an innovative collaboration focused on aging well. The WN was conceptualized as an academic-community partnership for understanding and promoting healthy aging. Infrastructure and models for collaboration were developed, with early community partners engaged in the effort. A pilot study, based on research evidence with input from focus groups of community professionals, was designed to test WN feasibility and acceptability. The study will initiate a repository of relevant data, engage faculty and students, and provide targeted wellness services for community-dwelling elders. A timeline was established for launching the network in Spring 2018, with the preliminary work focused on identifying common data elements related to healthy aging, building relationships among partners and elders within their communities, and creating data collection protocols. Student involvement in recruitment and data generation will occur through an independent research course. Health education presentations are being piloted in the communities, focused on topics elders have identified. Enthusiasm for the WN has been high, with new synergies informing healthy aging initiatives among diverse communities. Strategic planning has ensured that Center activities and resources continue during network expansion. The WN serves as an innovative model for understanding and promoting aging well with resources that can support scientific advances, faculty research, student experiences, wellness programs for community-dwelling elders, and future health policy change.