Research topics
Informal Caregiving for Chronic/Terminal Illnesses
Coping with severe illness, definitions, and the role of the family, social support, types of informal care, and the physical, mental, economic, and social consequences for family caregivers. Also explored are interpersonal communication between the patient and family regarding illness and death, as well as frameworks for end-of-life care.
Aging Among Marginalized Populations
Certain aging populations may experience increased discrimination due to both age-related biases and minority status. This research area examines the aging experience of different groups and factors that promote successful aging for them. These groups include parents of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, parents of children with epilepsy and Down syndrome, Holocaust survivors, former prisoners, and elderly LGBTQ+ individuals.
Social Relationships and Health in Old Age
Various aspects of the social environment in later life, particularly concerning physical and mental health, are explored. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how social surroundings contribute to successful aging. This research relies on representative longitudinal datasets with thousands of respondents and advanced statistical methods. It examines changes in older adults’ social networks and their impact on mental health and resilience against negative life events.
Attitudes Toward Euthanasia in Different Medical Conditions
Modern medical knowledge and technology enable life extension for patients with terminal illnesses, often accompanied by prolonged physical and emotional suffering, as well as a significant caregiving and financial burden on patients, families, healthcare services, and society. The rise in chronic diseases and mortality in the 20th century, along with debates on the legalization of euthanasia, necessitates an understanding of public preferences and attitudes toward these issues. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable in this context, and research focuses on understanding their perspectives.
Cognitive Functioning in Old Age
This research examines factors that support cognitive functioning in older age, identifies underlying processes, and determines the conditions that influence these connections. The study explores how social relationships affect cognitive aging, along with other environmental factors such as trauma and childhood living conditions. This research path helps identify individuals at higher risk for cognitive decline and can guide targeted interventions aimed at preserving cognitive abilities.
Ageism and Perceptions of Aging
A deeper understanding of ageism (discrimination based on age) and how older adults perceive their own aging process. This research examines the social contexts of ageism and the perceptions of aging among older adults, which can shape how they experience the aging process. For example, the research explores the protective effects of social environments against ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gender Differences in Aging
The aging experiences of men and women differ across various life aspects. This research delves into these differences and their underlying causes. A particular focus is placed on social relationships, as women generally have more close connections and receive greater support. The study examines cultural norms and work history as factors influencing gender differences in old age.
Mental Health and Illness in Aging
This area focuses on understanding complex mental health conditions in old age, such as aging with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and the treatment of older adults with this disorder. The research also examines the impact of mental health conditions on spouses, as well as factors associated with bipolar disorder. Additionally, studies explore clinical depression and the development of tools for measuring various mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
