Guides: From Curiosity to Clarity: A GSEP Podcast: Episode 4: Dr. Lee and Dr. Calhoun

Episode 4: Dr. Lee and Dr. Calhoun

Episode 4 – Empowering Older Adults through Educational Technology and Mentorship

Gabrielle and Sonya meet with Dr. Denise Calhoun and Dr. Seung Lee. Dr. Calhoun's research centers on gerontology, language arts, and healthy aging education, while Dr. Lee focuses on collaborative learning and online interactions in STEM education.

In this episode, they highlight their nonprofit, Communicare, which uses technology to connect older adults and reduce social isolation. Dr. Calhoun's book, "Changing Seasons," addresses language and cognition in older adults. They also discuss the importance of intergenerational mentorship and the role of libraries in supporting lifelong research and learning.

Transcript Available Here.

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks
ISBN: 9781472989796

Publication Date: 2022

Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom, as well as dozens of interviews with everyday men and women, Brooks shows us that true life success is well within our reach. By refocusing on certain priorities and habits that anyone can learn, such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress, we can set ourselves up for increased happiness.
Changing Seasons by Denise L. Calhoun
ISBN: 9781612498652

Publication Date: 2023-03-15

Changing Seasons is a practical guide for caregivers and health care professionals to ensure individuals sustain their quality of life as they age. Each activity reveals new, creative, and fun ways to encourage individuals to speak, think, and write, sparking imagination and engagement with others. This new revised edition recognizes the growing importance of technology in communication, and incorporates many lessons learned during pandemic isolation, as communication was often limited to screens. Included is a new chapter that incorporates eight lessons on utilizing videoconferencing platforms. Though technology may evolve, communication will remain key to a sense of community and companionship--whether in person or online.
Assistive Technology Solutions for Aging Adults and Individuals with Disabilities by Rajiv Pandey (Editor); Pratibha Maurya (Editor); Jigna Bhupendra Prajapati (Editor); Raju Halder (Editor); Kanishka Tyagi (Editor)
ISBN: 9798369363089

Publication Date: 2025-01-15

Assistive technology solutions enhance the quality of life for aging adults and individuals with disabilities. These innovative tools and devices support daily activities, improve independence, and promote social engagement. From mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs to advanced communication devices and smart home technologies, assistive technologies cater to a wide range of needs. Continued research into this technology may help create more inclusive environments, ensuring aging adults and those with disabilities can participate in their communities. Assistive Technology Solutions for Aging Adults and Individuals With Disabilities addresses the challenges faced by adults and individuals with disabilities through exploration of effective assistive tools. Various devices and technologies are examined, including their usefulness in creating a more inclusive community for those with disabilities and specialized healthcare needs. This book covers topics such as communication devices, mobility aids, and visual assistance, and is a useful resource for psychologists, sociologists, healthcare professionals, computer engineers, academicians, and researchers.

Computer Usage and Cognitive Capability of Older Adults: Analysis of Data from the Health and Retirement Study by Denise Calhoun and Seung Bok Lee
As America's older population continues to grow, more individuals are experiencing cognitive decline in the United States. At the same time, we live in an age where technology has increasingly become an integral part of our daily lives. Although numerous studies have examined cognitive functions of older adults from a diverse range of perspectives, research on the relationship between the technology adoption and adult cognitive capacity has been limited. Using nationally representative data (n = 5,259) from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), this study analyzed the effect of computer usage on the cognitive capabilities of individuals aged 50 and older in the United States. Findings show that computer use in older adults declines with age but rises for those with higher levels of education. Results also indicate that an increased use of computers is significantly associated with improved cognitive capability, when controlling for age, gender, and years of education. Further research is needed to better understand the patterns of technology adoption among older adults and assess its effects on their cognitive abilities.
Rethinking the Education Potential of Older Adults to Delay the Onset of Dementia by Denise Calhoun
This paper demonstrates the effects of education on cognitive functioning which could serve as an alternative preventive method to halt or delay cognitive decline in older adults. The purpose of this proposal is to discuss and illustrate the benefits of improving cognitive ability through continuing education. As such, taking advantage of educational programmes that are already in place would not only provide mental stimulation for older adults, but would be a source for social networking, as well as technology training and physical education activities. To establish a link between cognition and education, this paper provides examples from a number of studies as well as a review of a longitudinal study on educational differences in the prevalence of dementia. The findings of this systematic review revealed a connection between cognitive decline and education after considering regions and economic status. Suggestions from these reviews imply that keeping one's mind stimulated could be influential in delaying the onset of dementia resulting in possibly extending the time older adults are independent.
The Benefits Learning across the Life Span by Denise Calhoun and Reyna García Ramos
Is there ever a point in life when it is too late to learn? Researchers are continuously concerned about ways to intervene cognitive and communicative decline in older adults.
Rethinking interventions for dementia through a nonpharmaceutical lens: An analysis of five interventions by Denise Calhoun
The future welfare of older adults is a worldwide concern. By 2034, it is estimated that individuals 65 and older in the U.S. will be 77 million. Consequently, this reality will impact healthcare facilities and increase Medicare and Medicaid costs, resulting in higher incidents of homeless older adults, children caring for parents, the need for more caregivers, and an increased number of older individuals experiencing various forms of dementia. To address these concerns, the current trend for treating the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease has been moving toward nonpharmaceutical interventions. Even though researchers have tapped into the benefits of several nonpharmaceutical treatments, there appears to be a constant debate on establishing which method is most effective.
Communicare
Communicare is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization striving to advance the quality of life and sense of purpose for older adults.
LA2050: 2025 Grants Challenge - “The Golden Link: Addressing Social Isolation through Generational Ties”
The Golden Link is a community initiative dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness by fostering meaningful, lasting connections between generations through innovative technologies, shared stories, and collaborative experiences to bridge the gap between young and old—cultivating empathy, resilience, and a stronger sense of belonging for all.
Walk with a Doc
With an aim to make health and happiness accessible to everyone, Walk with a Doc offers free walking programs in communities around the world led by local doctors, healthcare providers, or medical students. These ongoing events allow participants to safely walk (or roll), learn about current health topics, and meet new people.
ASU: New fellowship to help older adults prepare for ‘third stage’ of life after retirement
A new program designed for older adults aims to continue their education after retirement and solve real-world issues at the same time.
Educational Gerontology
This well-respected journal offers up-to-date original research in the fields of gerontology, adult education, and the social and behavioral sciences.