Aging forum planned in Fox Valley

The Institute on Aging is holding an afternoon symposium Friday, April 7, in the Fox Valley on new scientific insights into successful aging.

The free, public event is being held from 1-4 p.m. in room 1229 of UW-Fox Valley in Menasha, and includes a series of short presentations and open discussion. Part of a new institute effort called “Aging and the Wisconsin Idea,” the goal is to provide communities around the state with recent research findings about making the most of later life.

Topics include:

• Studies of how moderate calorie restriction may be one pathway to slow the aging process, presented by Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center Director Joseph Kemnitz;
• Exposing some of the risk factors and prevention strategies for age-related sensory problems, such as vision or hearing loss, presented by ophthalmology Professor Dr. Karen Cruickshanks;
• Studies of what contributes to the well-being of family caregivers, specifically the parents of adult children with mental retardation, presented by social work Professor Marsha Seltzer;
• An exploration of resilience – factors that enhance one’s ability to respond positively to life’s challenges – and how it may promote better health, presented by Institute Director Carol Ryff.

UW-Fox Valley is located at 1478 Midway Road, Menasha, between South Oneida Street on the east, South Appleton Road on the west, and just south of Highway 441. Free parking is available on the west side of campus.

The event is part of UW–Madison On The Road, a statewide outreach campaign that continues the university’s tradition of contributing to the lives of Wisconsin citizens. The Aging Institute has more than 100 research affiliates across campus studying a wide spectrum of social and biomedical issues. For more information, contact the institute at (608) 262-1818.