Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center

The Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, one of the first centers for gerontology research in the U.S., was founded at the University of Southern California in 1964. The center was expanded in 1975 with the inception of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, the first school of gerontology in the country. James Birren served as the founding dean for the school, and maintains ties through teaching a course on Guided Autobiography. [ [http://www.guidedautobiography.com Guided Autobiography ] ] The Andrus Center is currently regarded as a leader in its field, housing many prominent researchers who cover the gamut of gerontology.

Andrus Gerontology Center

The Andrus Gerontology Center is the research arm of the Davis School. Its mission is to encourage basic and applied research in aging. Faculty conduct interdisciplinary projects in neurobiology, molecular biology, cognitive psychology, biodemography, family studies, long term care, and other topics. Click the individual faculty link for more information. The Andrus Center hosts the sponsored research centers and major research projects listed below.

Pre and postdoctoral research training with an aging emphasis is facilitated with two training grants: Multidisciplinary Training in Aging, Eileen Crimmins, Principal Investigator; and Training in Endocrinology and Neurobiology of Aging, Caleb Finch, Principal Investigator.

When the Andrus Center was founded in 1964, its mission was to improve the quality of life for older adults. The Center provides services to older individuals and their families though several of its research centers and its service units.

Research

As part of USC's robust research community, the USC Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center is one of the world's leaders in aging research. As the nation's first multidisciplinary research center devoted to human development and aging, the primary goal of the center is to provide scientific information about the processes of aging and to understand how that information can be applied to individuals, families, organizations and society.

Current research includes many diverse projects, such as the USC/UCLA Center on Biodemography and Population Health (CBPH), California Center for Long Term Care Integration and the Long Beach Longitudinal Study (LBLS).

ervices

The Andrus Gerontology center is committed to implementing social change for the good of our elderly population. Service programs include aiding older adults and their families in coping with Alzheimer's disease, through the efforts of the USC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). Support for caregivers is another top priority, via programs such as 48 Hours! Caregiver Retreats.

Mission Statement

The quality of life available to older persons and their evolving role in society are critical concerns. Through the efforts of the faculty, staff, and Board of Councilors, the Andrus Gerontology Center is committed to promoting successful aging and an older population that is healthy, active and involved in the life of the community and nation. Erected as a tribute to Ethel Percy Andrus, the Andrus Gerontology Center is committed to understanding aging and preparing professionals to work in an aging society.

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