Supporting Older Adults Through Education and Community
The Growing Older initiative is a long-term project led by Penn State Greater Allegheny. The initiative partners with local organizations and nonprofits to explore aging and its impact on McKeesport and the greater Pittsburgh region.
What Is a Common Intellectual Experience?
Common intellectual experiences bring students, faculty, staff, and community members together to explore a shared topic. Through courses, events, and service opportunities, participants examine important issues from multiple perspectives throughout the academic year.
Why Focus on Aging?
Aging is a universal experience. How communities prepare for and support older adults can shape quality of life for generations. This initiative encourages conversations about aging, promotes intergenerational connections, and explores policies and practices that support people as they grow older.
Why Penn State Greater Allegheny?
Allegheny County has one of the oldest populations in the United States. More than 20% of residents were age 65 or older in 2020, and that number is expected to grow significantly by 2050. These changes affect healthcare, housing, the workforce, and community services. Our campus is well positioned to explore these issues through research, teaching, and community partnerships.
The following examples highlight key parts of the Growing Older initiative.
Curricular Integration
Biobehavioral Health
Courses in this major explore the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Students may also participate in service-learning projects at senior centers or assisted living facilities.
- Students in BBH 416: Health Promotion II develop health promotion projects that support the well-being of older adults in the community.
Social Work and Psychology
Students study the mental health needs of older adults, including issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, and substance use. Field experiences at healthcare facilities provide hands-on learning opportunities.
- Students in CRIMJ 412: Crime, Social Control, and the Legal System examine how an aging prison population creates challenges for reentry into society.
- Students in PSYCH 441: Health Psychology study research on ageism and how beliefs about aging can influence health outcomes.
Business
Business courses explore how an aging population affects industries such as healthcare, housing, and consumer markets. Students may develop business plans or marketing strategies that serve older adults.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Student organizations can plan programs and outreach activities related to aging. These efforts help build connections between students and older adults in the community.
Community Partnerships
Community organizations play an important role in the Growing Older initiative by sharing expertise, resources, and programming for older adults.
Area Agency on Aging
The Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging helps residents age 60 and older live safe, healthy, and independent lives.
Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh
Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh works to bring generations together and promote communities that support people of all ages.