PSU Institute on Aging Newsletter, Fall 2024

In what feels like a blink of the eye, fall term is halfway over! Read on to meet our new student workers, get the latest on IOA research and publications, and find upcoming age-related events hosted in the Portland gerontology community and online! 

But first: we’re celebrating this week's ceremonial launch of OCEBHA - the Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Aging! On Wednesday, speakers PSU President Ann Cudd, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Representative Rob Nosse, and many other advocates for older adult behavioral health gathered at PSU for a ribbon cutting ceremony (featuring enormous scissors), marking an important milestone in recognizing the new multidisciplinary center. Click here to learn more about OCEBHA and the phenomenal work they've done in their first year. 

Meet Tianzhan Shu, Graduate Administrative Assistant for SALC and Better with Age

Hello, I’m grateful to be able to be part of IOA and stoked to learn so much here. I’m a first-year MSW student. I grew up in Hangzhou, a gorgeous heritage city on the East coast of China and studied philosophy and psychology at UC San Diego and King’s College London. I am interested in senior homelessness, dementia, behavioral health & aging particularly with regards to isolation and empowerment. I am passionate about lifelong learning. I enjoy nature and meditation.

Meet Anna Gibbons, Graduate Administrative Assistant for the IOA and Better with Age

Hi IOA community! I’m in my first few weeks of the MSW and gerontology certificate programs, and very excited to work alongside the wonderful folks at the IOA and BwA during my time at PSU. I’m passionate about intergenerational care, holistic support for caregivers, and reducing barriers for older adults in rural Oregon. When I’m not on campus, you can find me hiking in the Gorge, experimenting with sourdough, and playing a perpetual game of fetch with my black lab, Benson.

Nov 8 @ 7PM - “No Place to Grow Old” Documentary Screening & Discussion

“No Place to Grow Old” is an intimate portrait of the rising crisis of senior homelessness in Portland. The 44 minute film explores the systemic challenges and deeply personal stories of a generation aging into homelessness, and features Dr. Marisa Zapata, Director of Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative at PSU.

Nov 13-16 - GSA 2024: Annual Scientific Meeting

The IOA team is headed to Seattle, and we can't wait to learn alongside you! Feel free to reach out if you'll be attending -- we'd love to see you there!

Nov 19 @ 1PM - PSU Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Student Chapter Meeting

Are you a PSU student looking to get more connected and involved in all things gerontology? Join us every 3rd Tuesday from 1-2PM throughout the school year to build community, stay in the know, and access GSA resources! Please fill out this form to join the chapter and reply to this email with any questions.

Dec 3 @ 12PM - Better with Age Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Series
This is a monthly series that will occur on the first Tuesday of each month. You bring your lunch, we bring the coffee and sweet treats, and we all learn together as we feature experts speaking about the latest research, policy, and practice in the field of aging. This is a hybrid event and we welcome you to join us in person to find community and connection in the Parson's Gallery on the second floor of the Urban Center Building (506 SW Mill St). Register if you wish to join us on Zoom. 

Dec 9 @ 12PM - Specialized Aging Support: Providing Care for Those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at High-Risk and Living with Dementia

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face lifelong battles of inclusion and access to services. Throughout the aging process, even more significant needs for support present as they experience Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias at a staggering rate. The Specialized Aging Support program launched the next phase of services, developing an interactive day center for those living with and at high-risk of dementia, caregiver support and education, and trainings focused on IDD and dementia.

Through Jan 5, 2024 - Made with Love: 45 Years of Ikoi no Kai

This Japanese American Museum of Oregon exhibit shares the unique dining and social experience of the Ikoi no Kai community lunch program, which has come to embody the concept of keirō 敬老, or respect for elders, to local Japanese Americans. For 45 years, the Portland program has supported seniors and their loved ones with meals and activities that honor their cultural heritage. 

Recorded Event - Our Invisible Neighbors: Understanding and Addressing Elder Homelessness 

A Housing Forum hosted by Northwest Pilot Project and PSU Institute on Aging, featuring keynote speaker, Marisa Espinoza - UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, and panel of experts including the IOA’s Paula Carder and Walt Dawson.

Recorded Event - Doing Qualitative Research in Assisted Living: Ethnography, Shadowing and Walking Interviews: Dr. Paula Carder presents an approach to qualitative research in the School of Aging Studies and Florida Policy and Exchange Center on Aging Distinguished Lecture series. 

We'd love to hear from you! You can connect with us on LinkedIn & sign up for an account on Portland State's alumni network, PSU Works.