Completed Projects

Increasing Social Connectiveness: An Intergenerational Book Club for Older Adults and College Students
Katherine Leith, PhD, LMSW & Jean Neils-Strunjas, PhD, CCC/SLP
The purpose of this research and programming is to examine whether an intergenerational book club with in-person meetings and technology will reduce isolation and loneliness of older adults and improve attitudes of college students regarding old age. The intergenerational book club is intended to bridge social divisions among age groups, improve social and cognitive health of older adults, and facilitate positive attitudes of young adults toward old age.

Mindful Walking and Social Intervention to Improve Cognitive Functioning of Older Adults
Jean Neils-Strunjas, PhD, CCC/SLP & Jason Yang, PhD
The purpose of this study is to look at the benefits of exercise and social engagement in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for older adults. We will determine the benefit of exercise with a social component vs. individual programming in a randomized control study. We hypothesize that a walking program with mindfulness that includes a discussion group will result in lower stress and depression, greater gains in physical activity, cognition, social engagement, indicators of brain health, and adherence than walking alone or no intervention.