NOT YOUR AVERAGE CENTER ON AGING

Dear Community Member, Older Adult, Health Care Provider, Scientist, Educator or any other Visitor,

We would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the spirit and direction at the UofA Arizona Center on Aging.  Namely, what is this Center and why is this Center truly unique and very different from its peers? You probably know that aging is a highly complex and variable process, that affects virtually everyone differently. Still, this process must have some common biological foundation (investigated by scientists trying to understand why and how we age), because many older people come down with common health problems (treated by doctors trying to improve health and quality of life).

ACOA exists in order to improve quality of living and extend the lifespan of older adults. We want to eradicate the diseases and conditions that occur in advanced age, and to unleash the unparalleled wisdom, energy and experience of older adults for the benefit of all of the world.

We believe that we can best meet this challenge through the true partnership of scientists, health care providers, educators and community workers. As a basic biomedical scientist and a practicing physician taking care of older adults, we understand the importance of bringing both of our perspectives side-by-side, and talking the same language – the language of good, long life. We strive to move fantastic discoveries from the lab to the community, and to bring questions and observations from real people into the lab where they can be solved. We are working to develop new ways of delivering healthcare to you that promote independence and healthy aging.  Finally, we are committed to share these essential discoveries with communities in Tucson, Arizona, the US and the world through education and outreach.

We invite you to become our partners and associates in this exciting journey!

Zoom ahead,

Janko Nikolich-Zugich, MD, Ph.D and Mindy J. Fain, MD
Co-Directors, Arizona Center on Aging