INSPIRING NEXT PRACTICES

in the Aging Services Industry

An opportunity to recognize important breakthroughs in aging services

Mather Institute created the Innovative Research on Aging Awards to recognize excellent applied research that offers important implications for the aging services industry and inspires next practices.

COMBATTING ISOLATION WITH VIRTUAL REALITY
Connecting Residents with Dementia with Family Members & the World

University of California Santa Barbara

Tamara Afifi, PhD

Researchers tested and confirmed an innovative, affordable solution to the isolation of people living with dementia: a virtual reality (VR) program that enables them to maintain family relationships, engage with life, and reconnect with their past, regardless of location.

  • CLASSIFYING NEIGHBORHOODS BY COGNITIVE HEALTH FACTORS
    Exploring the Impact of Everyday Environment on Dementia Risk
  • CREATING AN EFFECTIVE ONLINE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
    Offering Emotion-Focused Communication Training for Caregivers Online
  • FACING END OF LIFE AMONG RESIDENTS IN ASSISTED LIVING
    Supporting Direct Care Employees in Coping with Death & Dying
  • FEEDING FRESH IDEAS ON FOOD CHOICES
    Digging into Resident Input on the Importance of Snack Variety & Accessibility

  • REFRAMING AGING ON TIKTOK
    Defying Stereotypes of Older Adults on Social Media
  • LEARNING PIANO SUPPORTS OLDER ADULTS’ BRAIN HEALTH
    Hitting All the Right Notes on Cognitive & Psychosocial Well-Being
  • OFFERING SPIRITUAL SUPPORT AS PART OF MEMORY CARE
    Meeting the Unique Spiritual Needs of Those Living with Dementia
  • SHINING A LIGHT ON RACIAL & GENDER DISCRIMINATION
    Revealing Extensive Unreported Discrimination of Direct Care Workers by Residents
  • IMMERSING RESIDENTS IN (VIRTUAL) NATURE
    Boosting Mood with a Virtual Gardening Experience

Get an overview of the latest research that is impacting the lives of older adults

Get an overview of the most relevant research published in the past year—the studies selected as winners of the Innovative Research on Aging Awards.