[Isl] ISL NEWSLETTER - November 2023

Tue Nov 21 08:42:03 EST 2023

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The Institute for Successful Longevity at Florida State University conducts research into how to live longer, stay active and be fully engaged in life. The institute takes a multidisciplinary approach to better explore the complexities of life as an older individual. https://isl.fsu.edu/<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/fsu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ea9a71fd919a34dfeb471af4a&id=9bc397841f&e=bb39c12918__;!!PhOWcWs!yj8ipIee5YF7asma33QRB1JRJdH7aV08xaYmFRcQDIv4eeM4_mI9HjK9jrAPQyJMLSv_jHPKNA$>
ISL NEWSLETTER

November 2023

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Design for Maintenance

ISL Director, Dr. Neil Charness, ponders his own home maintenance challenges in his recent blog. While climbing a ladder to change a lightbulb might occur without a second thought during our younger years, as we age, we have to stop to think twice about our safety before taking those steps up. Should older adults and their loved ones bear the burden of this worry alone? Or should companies and manufacturers be tasked with the responsibility of producing simpler to maintain products for all stages of life?

Read Blog Here<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/fsu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ea9a71fd919a34dfeb471af4a&id=4b00c29f68&e=bb39c12918__;!!PhOWcWs!yj8ipIee5YF7asma33QRB1JRJdH7aV08xaYmFRcQDIv4eeM4_mI9HjK9jrAPQyJMLSv8YBSBXA$>

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Dr. Kofi Sorkpor                   Dr. Jie Chen                       Dr. Yang Hou
College of Nursing               College of Nursing            Department of
                                                                                           Behavioral Sciences
                                                                                           and Social Medicine

Three researchers join ISL as Faculty Affiliates

Dr. Kofi Sorkpor, Ph.D., MPH, RN, is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing. The fundamental premise of his research is health equality, with particular emphasis on health promotion interventions for underserved and marginalized groups, including older adults and members of racial and ethnic minorities. His research focuses on community-based strategies for managing chronic health conditions, such as pain, using approaches that include but are not limited to technology in the form of wearables, smartphone-based mobile applications, and other consumer-facing devices to provide chronic condition management to people in their natural settings with little to no disruption to their daily lives.

Dr. Jie Chen is an assistant professor at the Florida State University College of Nursing. His research projects focus on pain and symptom management in older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC), i.e., cancer and cardiovascular disease. He is also interested in promoting cardiovascular health of older adults with cancer. His long-term research plan is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the bio-behavioral and multi-omics mechanisms of pain and pain self-management among older adults with MCC. His dissertation titled “Pain Management in Older Adults with Heart Failure” was supported by the American Nurses Foundation from the Virginia Stone Fund, the Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS)/CANS dissertation award, and the STTI Mu Chapter research award.

Dr. Yang Hou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine in the College of Medicine at Florida State University and the PI of the Development, Equity, and Resilience (DEaR) Lab. Dr. Hou earned her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Broadly, her research centers on how environmental and biological factors influence the neurobehavioral (cognitive, academic, socioemotional, behavioral) development of individuals in underrepresented groups such as ethnic minorities and families with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Her current primary line of research aims to use innovative and advanced quantitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the patterns and predictors of neurobehavioral development of individuals with NF1 across the lifespan. Her research has been funded by the USA Department of Defense and the Children’s Tumor Foundation. She also received multiple international awards, for example, Rising Star from the Association for Psychological Science and Early Career Outstanding Paper Award from the American Psychological Association.

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Associate Director Walter Boot and faculty affiliate Dawn Carr awarded $2.8M to study virtual reality and cognitive impairment

ISL's Associate Director, Walter Boot (Department of Psychology) and ISL Faculty Affiliate, Dawn Carr (Sociology), are members of an interdisciplinary research team (along with researchers at Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medicine) that recently received an award from the National Institute on Aging totaling over $2.8M to understand the potential benefits of virtual reality (VR) on the wellbeing of older adults with and without cognitive impairments.

The aim is to develop a home-based intervention that will pair older individuals experiencing cognitive impairment with non-impaired older adult volunteers. Benefits are expected both for the individual with cognitive impairment, including enhanced social support and quality of life, and the volunteer in terms of purpose and meaning in life.

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Two faculty affiliates awarded $350k for Alzheimer's research
Julia Sheffler (pictured above, left) and Ravinder Nagpal (pictured above, right) were awarded the Florida Department of Health Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s grant worth $350k. The state of Florida provides these grants to fund research that will lead to the prevention of, or a cure for, Alzheimer’s disease by adhering to the following goals:

1. Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention and diagnoses of, and treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Expand the foundation of knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Stimulate economic activity in Florida in areas related to Alzheimer’s disease research.

Dr. Sheffler is a research faculty member at the College of Medicine’s Center for Translational Behavioral Science. Her current research involves the assessment of adverse childhood experiences on health outcomes across the lifespan, the implementation of an intervention for emotion dysregulation in older age, and assessment of the implementation of dietary interventions and preventions for neurocognitive disorders.

Dr. Ravinder Nagpal is Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology. His research spans around understanding the host-associated microbiome and the dynamics of diet-gut-brain interface at the extremes of aging and in aging-associated metabolic and cognitive health.

Sheffler and Nagpal will begin work soon on their newly funded project titled “A scalable Mediterranean-ketogenic nutrition intervention to improve gut and brain health in underserved rural older adults with mild cognitive impairment.”

ISL Lecture Series
Fall 2023 features aging and technology expert Dr. Jeff Kaye

There will be two chances to hear Dr. Kaye speak in person, once in the morning of Nov. 30th during a panel event alongside other aging experts, then again that same day in the afternoon where he will be giving his lecture. Both events are open to the public. Anyone interested is welcome to join!

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More on our Featured Guest

Dr. Kaye is the Layton Professor of Neurology and Biomedical Engineering at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). He directs the OHSU NIA-Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (OADRC), ORCATECH (the Oregon Center for Aging and Technology), and ORCASTRAIT (the Oregon Roybal Center for Care Support Translational Research Advantaged by Integrating Technology).

His long-standing research focus has been to advance methods to sustain healthy aging and treat dementia. This work has been facilitated by a remarkable cadre of interdisciplinary colleagues and collaborators both within the OADRC and ORCATECH, as well as many others at other research centers around the world. Through these many associations, Dr. Kaye has enjoyed extensive experience in team-building, designing, conducting and analyzing studies of aging and neurodegenerative diseases across a wide spectrum of environments (e.g., clinics, community residences, assisted living and nursing facilities, ‘smart’ homes), designs (e.g., program projects, longitudinal natural history studies, proof-of-concept studies, randomized controlled trials, online surveys), and approaches (e.g., cognitive and behavioral testing, genetics, neuroimaging, biomarkers, in-home continuous assessment technologies).

He leads or has led several longitudinal studies on aging and clinical trials including: The Oregon Brain Aging Study (OBAS), Intelligent Systems for Detection of Aging Changes (ISAAC), the ORCATECH Life Laboratory, Ambient Independence Measures for Guiding Care Transitions, EVALUATE–AD (Ecologically Valid, Ambient, Longitudinal and Unbiased Assessment of Treatment Efficacy in Alzheimer’s Disease), DETECT-AD (Digital Evaluations and Technologies Enabling Clinical Translation for Alzheimer’s Disease), and the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) Initiative studies, all using pervasive computing and sensing technologies for assessment and interventions.

He has served on many national and international panels and boards in the fields of geriatrics, neurology and technology. He is listed in Best Doctors in America. He is an author of over 450 scientific publications and holds several major grant awards from federal agencies, national foundations and industrial sponsors.

Watch our recent Brown Bag lecture where ISL Faculty Affiliate Dr. Long Xie speaks about his teams research into the benefits and limitations of cochlear implants.

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In his talk, Dr. Xie briefly discusses the various benefits of cochlear implants to older adults with hearing loss and will also touch on his research program which studied the impact of aging on hearing via cochlear implants. The results will provide the scientific basis for developing effective future interventions to improve hearing and communication abilities in older adults with cochlear implants.

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Unlocking Longevity with Mia Newlin-Bradner: The Lifestyle Medicine Approach for Aging Well
Victoria Simon - November 2023

In the pursuit of aging gracefully, Lifestyle Medicine (LM) has emerged as a transformative paradigm, redefining how we approach health in later years. We interviewed Mia Newlin-Bradner, PhD, RN, MSN , an ISL Faculty Affiliate and Teaching Faculty II in the College of Nursing at Florida State University, who informed us of the profound impact Lifestyle Medicine has on promoting longevity and enhancing the overall well-being of older adults. We spoke with Dr. Newlin-Bradner after she returned from the 2023 Lifestyle Medicine conference hosted by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in Denver, Colorado from October 29th – November 1st, 2023. There, she grew her knowledge on LM and how it pertains to successful longevity.

Dr. Newlin-Bradner explains that Lifestyle Medicine is a holistic strategy that transcends the conventional symptom-focused approach. It delves into the root causes of chronic diseases that often accompany aging. Grounded in evidence-based therapeutic methods, such as adopting a predominantly plant-based diet, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, stress management, and steering clear of risky substances, LM is designed not only to treat but also to reverse and prevent chronic diseases.
We were curious to know what LM means at its core, and Dr. Newlin-Bradner taught me about the six pillars which unite to support the LM way of living. LM rests on six foundational pillars, each contributing to an enhanced quality of life. These pillars include the promotion of increased physical activity, the adoption of a healthful diet, improvement of sleep patterns, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and the cultivation of social connectedness. While all pillars play a vital role, Dr. Newlin-Bradner tells us that in her experience in working with older adults, the trifecta of social connectedness, a healthy diet, and increased physical activity takes center stage in promoting the well-being of older adults.
What sets Lifestyle Medicine apart from traditional approaches to healthcare is its collaborative approach to healthcare. Unlike traditional medicine, which often positions healthcare providers as experts providing solutions to problems, LM practitioners see themselves as partners or coaches working with patients. This collaborative model empowers individuals to actively engage in their health journey, fostering a proactive view towards longevity.
The link between lifestyle factors and positive aging outcomes has been proven with research. Dr. Newlin-Bradner showed us that studies consistently show that embracing a healthy lifestyle, encompassing habits like not smoking, limited alcohol consumption, and increased physical activity, not only extends overall life expectancy but also increases active life expectancy without difficulties in daily activities (1).
In practical terms, Lifestyle Medicine encourages small, achievable changes that can yield lasting benefits. Dr. Newlin-Bradner stresses that small, doable changes can produce the most lasting benefits. Older adults looking to implement LM into their daily routine can start small, integrating a few extra minutes of physical activity like walking, gardening or low impact exercise like chair yoga, making mindful food choices as simple as swapping an unhealthy sweet for a nutrient dense fruit, or even nurturing relationships with neighbors or joining a local social club, to optimizing sleep habits by going to bed just a little earlier or waking up a little earlier. These changes form the cornerstone of a lifestyle focused on longevity and with these continued small changes comes big impact over time.
Beyond individual well-being, LM addresses broader societal challenges, particularly the epidemic of loneliness and isolation prevalent among older adults. Studies have proved that older populations, among others, are at the highest risk for loneliness and isolation (2). Recognizing the core human need for social connection, Lifestyle Medicine actively promotes behavioral changes that meet this desire, offering a holistic solution to the multifaceted aspects of aging.
Dr. Newlin-Bradner explained that with any lifestyle change, there are barriers to overcome. She has found that challenges in adopting a longevity-focused lifestyle often extend beyond tangible obstacles, like physical limitations or financial insecurity. She has seen this firsthand working in cardiac rehabilitation and says that past habits and experiences, deeply ingrained over the years, can present significant barriers to conquer. Overcoming these challenges involves education and a personalized approach, gradually introducing and integrating healthier habits into individuals' lives. Dr. Newlin-Bradner thinks that healthcare providers should not only be educated on the efficacy of these interventions but also how they can be confidently recommended to and implemented in older adults who seek to add this change to their life. She has made it a current goal of hers as a nurse educator and she aims to expose our current and future healthcare providers to the importance of and the evidence for lifestyle medicine.
For those seeking guidance on integrating Lifestyle Medicine principles, resources are plentiful. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine provides a comprehensive platform, including a directory of certified LM providers and patient-centric materials. Additionally, consulting professionals specializing in the six pillars of LM—dietitians, exercise professionals, wellness coaches, and behavioral health experts—can offer personalized support.
In conclusion, Lifestyle Medicine emerges as a guiding light for aging well, offering a cohesive and collaborative approach to health. By embracing its principles, older adults can unlock the potential for a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. To find a LM clinician, go to https://lifestylemedicine.org<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/fsu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ea9a71fd919a34dfeb471af4a&id=0afeaf579b&e=bb39c12918__;!!PhOWcWs!yj8ipIee5YF7asma33QRB1JRJdH7aV08xaYmFRcQDIv4eeM4_mI9HjK9jrAPQyJMLSuM622ADA$> or, to gain access to LM patient resources visit https://lifestylemedicine.org/project/patient-resources/ <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/fsu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ea9a71fd919a34dfeb471af4a&id=6ecb51a662&e=bb39c12918__;!!PhOWcWs!yj8ipIee5YF7asma33QRB1JRJdH7aV08xaYmFRcQDIv4eeM4_mI9HjK9jrAPQyJMLSt0xFTy2Q$>
(1) Jacob ME, Yee LM, Diehr PH, et al. Can a Healthy Lifestyle Compress the Disabled Period in Older Adults?. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2016;64(10):1952-1961. doi:10.1111/jgs.14314
(2) United States. Public Health Service. Office of the Surgeon General. (2023, May). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC

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Want to volunteer for ISL research?
FSU’s Institute for Successful Longevity needs research volunteers to help us achieve our mission of improving health and well-being for Florida’s aging population.

You can be paid to advance the science of successful longevity, helping your friends and family achieve longer, more productive, and enjoyable lives.

You will be able to choose what studies you participate in.

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Our mailing address is:
Institute for Successful Longevity, Florida State University
1107 W Call St
Florida State University
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