Seniors
About Aging
How Old is Old?
Today, no one really seems to know what "old" means,
or when we become "seniors." Some places give senior
discounts at 55; others at 65; but the AARP (formerly known
as the American Association of Retired Persons) allows you
to join at 50–and starts sending you mail when you're
48! So
what
is a senior?
We do know that aging can cause your physical and mental abilities to weaken. But we don't know how fast that process will progress, nor how negative its effects will be. In short, it's impossible to generalize about "seniors." Each is an individual, with a unique set of life experiences, genetics and current needs.
At URMC, we believe "successful aging" means being able to live up to your full potential, whatever that may be, no matter your age or condition. Our goal is to help you maximize that potential, and minimize the negative effects of aging.
URMC's Response is Research
URMC has made successful aging a top priority. They key to improving senior health, we believe, will be found through research and by improving quality of care. Our two main areas of research are:
-
The basic molecular and cellular biology of aging
-
Improving health care delivery
 |
|
|
|
 |
The University of Rochester’s Center for Aging and Developmental Biology, through a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), is a Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging. Ultimately, research here is expected to deliver breakthroughs in understanding the course of normal aging and the diseases and conditions that affect older people–including frailty and cancer.
Through a long-standing partnership with Monroe Community Hospital, we are one of only nine Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers, dedicated to research for improving geriatric care and maintaining senior’s independence.