Aging Center puts WKU students and faculty at the forefront of demographic shift

(WBKO)
Published: Sep. 20, 2018 at 11:58 AM CDT
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With a dramatic shift in the aging population in the coming decades, a new center will put WKU students on the front lines of researching ways to deal with aging challenges.

Amy Bingham has more on the Center for Applied Science and Health and Aging or CASHA in this week’s View from the Hill.

In less than twenty years, the number of people over the age of 65 will outnumber children in the United States. This new aging center will position WKU as a regional leader in aging science.

The Center for Applied Science and Health and Aging is already sparking new research opportunities.

“There’s some faculty members who actually met at the ribbon cutting and found out they had very similar interest aging related, we are in the process of getting them on board with the center.”

That’s exactly the kind of collaboration this space at the Center for Research and Development on Nashville Road was designed for.

“We thought let’s create this center where we can have that synergy of all the different disciplines and all these different faculty members.”

A graduate class on cognitive linguistics disorders is already getting the community involved by offering a ten week study on dementia prevention and awareness.

“This is looking at people who are really healthy and doing well. Who are living independently in the community.”

“We are looking to have practical application for all students involved and while doing that want to benefit every participant and possibly improve memory.”

It’s the type of research the Center plans to do more of in the future and the community will play a big part.

“I’ve been really encouraged by the amount of people willing to give their time to help us with research.”

With the success of Bingocize over the past five years, Dr. Crandall says the Center will allow them to broaden their scope of work.

Putting student centered applied research front and center at WKU.

“The timing couldn’t be any better for the creation of CASHA, the strategic plan, climbing to greater heights and all the other things we’re trying to do.”

The “Lets talk about memory” study begins October second. If you are 55 or over with no neurological issues and would like to be included, you can call 270-745-8998.