Research Assistantship in Older Adult Practice
Meaningful Engagement in Older Adults

As the older adult population continues to grow, a critical issue for healthy aging is engagement in meaningful occupations. Studies have demonstrated the importance of engagement in life as people age; however, there are many facets to this topic that are just beginning to emerge. If you are interested in exploring the complexities of older adults’ occupations as they move through the lifespan, consider joining us in our research. We invite applications for our new position as a funded graduate assistant for those who wish to earn their occupational therapy doctorate and who are intrigued by occupational engagement in older adults.

Areas of focus for the assistantship can include any topic related to issues of meaning and engagement in occupation as it occurs through the aging process. Topics may include but are not limited to, contrasts and similarities of occupation in different cohorts, cultures, and socioeconomic strata, changing patterns of engagement and meaning in relation to health conditions, mental health benefits of different forms of occupation, occupation as a form of intervention to prevent depression and other negative health outcomes, forms of engagement for persons with cognitive impairment.

FACULTY
Laura Gitlin, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health (CARAH)
Nancy Chernett, M.P.H.
CARAH, Project Director, In Touch: Mind, Body and Spirit Program
Helen Black, Ph.D.
Research Scientist, CARAH
Susan Toth-Cohen, Ph.D., OTR/L
Director, Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program
Jefferson College of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University
130 S. 9th Street, Suite 810, Philadelphia, PA 19107