Current Programs and Grant Funded Projects

• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) - a self-directed membership organization within the Center on Aging at West Virginia University. OLLI provides educational, recreational, volunteer and social opportunities for individuals 50 and older through day and evening courses, seminars and field trips. OLLI offers three six-week terms each year. The course selections are rich in music, literature, art, sciences, politics, health-related topics, social issues, nature and history. Visit the website for more information and/or a membership application.
• Elder Health Education in Libraries Project (E-HELP) - a project designed to improve access to web based health information for consumers aged 50 years and older. By utilizing public libraries consumers will be able to learn to use and explore the primary health information web sites of the National Libraries of Medicine, PubMed, MedLine and MedLine Plus.
• WVSeniors - A multimedia outreach project that educates and empowers seniors, their families and caregivers about issues related to aging and aging well.  WVSeniors features an extensive website, training, and media outreach (radio, newspaper columns, newsletters).
• WVCaregivers - An online resource created to provide support, assistance and services to West Virginia caregivers and their families.
• Rural Healthy Aging Network (RHAN) - A project focusing on the determinants of healthy aging among rural older adult populations.  Its goals are to identify interventions that promote healthy aging and assist in the translation of such research into sustainable rural, community-based programs.
• Cognitive Function and Oral Health in Older Adults age 70 and Above - the West Virginia University Center on Aging, in collaboration with the WVU School of Dentistry and WVU Department of Psychology, has been working on a study that aims to look at the relationship between oral health and cognitive functioning in older adults. Oral health has been linked to various medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, and we believe that it can also be linked to cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. Our research team is currently traveling throughout the state collecting information on the oral health status and cognitive abilities of older adults. The goal is to include 250 participants throughout the state, age 70 and above who have four or more natural teeth and who are residents of WV. Once we have reached this goal, we plan to use the results to better understand the oral health care needs of older adults. All participants of this study will receive a $50 gift card, a free dental exam and a free memory exam. If you would like to participate, please call our toll free number to enroll: 1-866-566-1212.

Past Programs and Grant Funded Projects

• Advanced Geriatrics Educator Skills (AGES) - the nation’s first certification course promoting excellence in the clinical practice and teaching of geriatrics. AGES has been created for clinicians who care for the elderly and participate in the education of health care professionals - whether it be as part-time volunteer community-based faculty, or full-time academic faculty. The current practice of evidence-based geriatric medicine is presented in a comprehensive modular format as a readily accessible educational resource for geriatrics educators.
• Mountain State Geriatric Education Center (MSGEC) - was one of over 40 geriatric education centers funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions to prepare the nations health professions to meet the unique health care needs of the elderly.
• Plan of Action on Rural Aging (PARA)
• International Rural Aging Project 1997-2001 - ICRA 2000 Conference information.
• Rural Senior Support Network (RSSN) - Information about various programs including Rural Caregiver, Linkage, Radio Shows, providing culturally sensitive Health Care to West Virginia Elderly and Support group information for families, caregivers and Alzheimer's information. RSSN is now a part of the WVSeniors Project.