Aging center celebrates 10 years by looking at those who live to 100

Dr. Thomas Perls, a physician and researcher at Boston University Medical, will speak at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25 in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall, as part of the celebration.

His talk, which is free and open to the public, will highlight the New England centenarian study, considered the largest genetic and social study of centenarians and their families. Perls is the author of "Living to 100, Lessons in Maximizing Your Potential at Any Age."

"The emphasis on aging issues continues today, especially as the first wave of baby boomers turn 60 this year," says Ken Ferraro, a professor of sociology and director of Purdue's Center on Aging and the Life Course. "Dr. Perls' work is rooted in his early observations that some of his healthiest patients were his oldest. Now, he is one of a handful of experts studying people who are 100 years or older. By looking at these people's lifestyle choices, diet and environment, we hope to learn more about the aging process."

Perls' presentation is part of "The Legacy of Longevity," the 10th anniversary symposium for the Center on Aging and the Life Course. The one-day event covers a variety of aging issues, including professional development and career information for gerontologists. Symposium information is available by contacting Peggy Favorite, assistant director of the center, at favorite@purdue.edu.

The Center on Aging and the Life Course began in 1996 as the Gerontology Program. The center has evolved into a hub of interdisciplinary research at Purdue with more than 50 faculty and research associates from 17 disciplines across campus. The center-affiliated research includes aging and cancer, health promotion, health inequality, financial security, communicative disorders and outreach programs for older adults. The Gerontology Program remains part of the center as an educational component that oversees a graduate certificate in gerontology, a multidisciplinary minor in gerontology, and a dual title doctorate degree in gerontology and a related discipline. There are 30 students participating in the center's programs.

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Ken Ferraro, (765) 494-6388, ferraro@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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