May 2009, Volume 3, Number 5

Recent Publications

New Research Findings on Fertility and Longevity

CoA members Ken R. Smith, Family and Consumer Studies, and Richard M. Cawthon, Human Genetics, conducted a new study of genealogical records from Utah pioneers and settlers of Montreal showing that women who have their last baby after age 45 live longer than women who have their last baby at younger ages, and their brothers live longer, too, suggesting that the same genes promote both prolonged fertility in women and longevity in both sexes. The study will be published June 10 in the Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences.

Study on Older Adults in Beijing

CoA member Zachary Zimmer co-authored a study on older adults in Beijing, "Gender Differernces in Functional Health and Mortality Among the Chinese Elderly," showing that women were more likely to survive and be functionally dependent at follow-up compared with men among those functionally independent at baseline. The article is available online.

News and Events

Dean Mather Selected for Equity and Diversity Award

Dr. Jannah Mather, Dean of the College of Social Work, is a recipient of this year's by the Equity and Diversity Award for her excellence in fostering leadership and commitment to enhance equity and diversity for students, staff and faculty. Dean Mather received this special recognition at the 14th Annual Equity and Diversity Awards Luncheon on April 29, 2009. Congrats, Jannah!

College of Social Work Summer Institute

In honor of its silver anniversary, the Summer Institute at the College of Social Work is offering a 25% discount on all non-credit courses. Six "Silver Track" courses, which focus on aging issues, have been further discounted to $75 or $50. A special Beeley Keynote Workshop, presented by Wendy Lustbader, author and faculty at the University of Washington, will teach professionals to promote positive changes as they work with seniors. Click here to read the full class descriptions, learn how to apply for Silver Track scholarships, and register for classes.

About our logo: The bristlecone pine tree (Pinus longaeva) the earth's oldest inhabitant with a life span of 4,000 years is found only in Utah and five other western states. Its extraordinary longevity and ability to adapt and survive in extremely harsh environmental conditions above 10,000 feet embodies the investigative spirit and mission of the Utah Center on Aging.

If you have questions about the University of Utah Center on Aging, please visit us online at http://aging.utah.edu 801-585-9540 or aging@hsc.utah.edu

Best,

Mark A. Supiano, MD
Executive Director - Center on Aging