Two aging-focused research presentations by Karl Pillemer, PhD

A pressing issue in the field of gerontology is the relationship between basic research and practice. This presentation examines how we might create a more seamless link between science and service in the field of aging.

Karl Pillemer will explore the question: “What should we be doing to translate the body of gerontological research into practical solutions for the challenges of later life?”

There is a need to create a more seamless relationship among the following: 

• the activities of fundamental scientific discovery in gerontology and geriatrics;
• the development of effective treatments and interventions; and
• the eventual adoption of these treatments/interventions by practitioners in the community, the nursing home, health care settings, and policy.

This presentation profiles several innovative tools (developed at the Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging) for bridging the research–practice gap.

Can our elders serve as “experts” on how to live our lives? To answer this question, Karl Pillemer decided to seek advice on how to live from the oldest Americans.

In the Cornell Legacy Project, he surveyed over 1200 elders, asking them for their most important lessons for living – on topics like marriage, career, parenting, aging, regrets, happiness, and overcoming loss.

In this presentation, he highlights some of the key findings from the project, focusing on practical advice from the “Greatest Generation” for living a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.