This year in recognition of Healthy Aging Month, the University of Louisville School of Medicine celebrates the impactful work being done by the UofL Trager Institute/Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic to promote and advance healthy aging through both clinical and research initiatives. Older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups in the United States, yet Kentucky ranks in the lowest tier of all states on social and economic factors, health outcomes, health behaviors, social support and engagement, and clinical care for adults over the age of 65. The UofL Trager Institute Optimal Aging Clinic is dedicated to transforming the outlook for older adults in Kentucky and across the nation.

“The UofL Trager Institute Optimal Aging Clinic is committed to transforming perceptions of aging by advocating for a positive, proactive approach that encompasses all aspects of a person’s well-being—physical, mental, and emotional,” said Anna Faul, PhD, executive director. “We believe that aging should be celebrated as a time of growth, potential, and continued contribution to society, rather than merely a period of decline.”

The institute is committed to creating age- and dementia-friendly environments that support the well-being of all individuals, regardless of background or cognitive abilities. By promoting inclusivity and addressing healthcare disparities, the Optimal Aging Clinic provides culturally competent, interdisciplinary care—including primary care, behavioral care, lifestyle medicine, and community programs—tailored to meet the diverse needs of older adults. Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Optimal Aging Clinic ensures that everyone can age with dignity and respect. 

Through comprehensive workforce development programs, the institute trains health care workers across Kentucky in the development of a broad range of skills that focus on providing respectful, individualized care, allowing individuals to flourish as they age. This training spans a wide range of disciplines, preparing providers to meet the diverse needs of older adults.

In collaboration with interdisciplinary researchers, practitioners, and students from the University of Louisville and collaborating universities, the institute addresses the emerging needs of older adults and their families through innovative research and evaluation. Key areas of focus include interdisciplinary care coordination, brain health models of care, geriatric medicine, behavioral health and the signature FlourishCare Model and FlourishCare Index. Additionally, integrated primary care and behavioral health, lifestyle medicine interventions such as tai chi, yoga, nutrition classes, and art classes, as well as the Virtual Friendly Visitors program used to combat social isolation are also evaluated for their respective impact on the older adults served. The institute also studies the best, innovative interprofessional education models to advance training in these areas and conducts clinical trials with older adults.

The Trager Institute provides interprofessional education through a variety of programs accessible to learners at any stage in their health care education and career, including:

• Interprofessional Case Management Experience, online modules and virtual case management experience
• Project ECHO, virtual monthly sessions
• Clinical Retreat for Interdisciplinary Training, single day immersive experience           
• Optimal Aging Conference, multi-day event
• Online Learning Management System

As the Trager Institute challenges conventional stereotypes about aging, it is essential to shift the narrative so that individuals can embrace this stage of life as one filled with opportunities for new experiences, learning, and personal growth.

“Healthy Aging Month is a call to action for communities, health care providers, and policymakers to support environments and policies that enable older adults to thrive,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, MD, executive vice president of health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine at UofL. “The ultimate goal is to inspire a cultural shift that values and supports older adults in living their lives to the fullest, no matter their age.”

As we reflect on Healthy Aging Month and the work being done by the UofL Trager Institute Optimal Aging Clinic, let it serve as a reminder to focus on your physical well-being, cognitive health and emotional resilience.