Worldwide, by 2050, the population of individuals 60 years of age and older is expected to double to approximately 2.1 billion, and the population of individuals 80 years of age and older is expected to triple to approximately 426 million. In the United States, those 85 and older are the fastest-growing age group. This growth in the population of older adults is accompanied by unique challenges and opportunities in community partnerships, clinical practice, research, and education.
To address these challenges and opportunities, Drs. Shafik Dharamsi and Janice Knebl have endorsed the establishment of a strategic collaboration between the School of Public Health (SPH) and The Center for Older Adults: CHARGE for Optimal Aging.
This collaboration aims to promote and support equitable, optimal aging through community & health alliances, research, and geriatric education (CHARGE) and aligns with the SPH’s newly released strategic plan, Impact 2030.
CHARGE for Optimal Aging seeks to establish internal and external partnerships to meet its mission: Communities creating change individually and collectively for longer, healthy, purposeful lives throughout the life course.
We invite you to learn more about CHARGE for Optimal Aging on our website: www.unthsc.edu/CHARGE. If you would like to contribute as a member, please contact the CHARGE Leaders, Dr. Diana Cervantes or Dr. Jennifer Severance.