Healthy aging matters.
It allows independence, keeps you connected to the activities and people you love, enriches the fabric of our communities, and reduces healthcare costs. Here are some ways Illinois researchers are contributing to healthy aging.
Helping people of all ages and abilities to live more full and independent lives is the purpose of the McKechnie Family LIFE Home. This cutting-edge facility, which mimics typical living spaces, allows researchers to collaborate on developing next-generation smart homes.
Did you know?
More than 92,000 U.S. adults aged 60 and over reported financial losses due to online fraud in 2021. To combat this trend, Illinois researchers have developed an app called ‘Deepcover’, which guides users through examples of fraud to improve their digital literacy.
Q&A: Laura Rice, Health and Kinesiology researcher at Illinois
What do you enjoy about the Champaign-Urbana area?
I enjoy living in a small, yet extremely diverse community. It is wonderful to have friends with diverse backgrounds but also the feel of a small town where I can get to know people and be involved in the community.
Briefly describe your research.
My research focuses on improving quality of life among individuals aging with disabilities. I work to understand what gets in the way of people participating in desired activities and develop interventions to manage these barriers.
What sparked your interest in this research?
I started my career as a physical therapist and have always been interested in supporting people to achieve their individual goals. Doing this research allows me to have a greater impact on improving quality of life.
How do you hope your work impacts people?
I hope people feel empowered to do activities that they enjoy and live in their preferred environment.
Illinois researchers improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Working with cutting-edge MRI and PET facilities, research teams develop new tools to identify who is at risk, monitor disease progression, and inform effective therapies.
Did you know?
There are many common risk factors for falling, from muscle weakness and visual impairment, to even the fear of falling, itself! Researchers at Illinois are developing an intelligent exercise mat aimed at improving balance, gait, and cognitive function in older adults with multiple sclerosis, a population with a high prevalence of falls.
“Clark Lindsey is happy to partner with Illinois researchers over the years. Past projects include robotics and communication platforms that support older adults’ autonomy and enhance quality of life. Our residents and employees enjoy supporting the researchers and take pride in advancing our understanding of aging, technology, and the human experience.”
Deb Reardanz, President and CEO
Clark Lindsey, Urbana, IL
Did you know?
The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinic at the University of Illinois was recently certified to provide services for patients covered by Medicare! (Learn more below!)
