Behavioral and Social Sciences
Naomi Meinertz, PhD (she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor & MU Extension State Specialist in Aging
Human Sciences Extension and Outreach
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Kate Perepezko, PhD, MSPH (she/her/hers)
Assistant Scientist
National Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Family Support
Scripps Gerontology Center
Lansdale, Pennsylvania, United States
David Buys, PhD, MSPH, CPH, FGSA
Associate Vice Provost for Health Sciences and Associate Professor
Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi, United States
Naomi Meinertz, PhD (she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor & MU Extension State Specialist in Aging
Human Sciences Extension and Outreach
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Ginger Williams, MHA (she/her/hers)
Master Instructor & CSU Extension State Healthy Aging / Rural Health Specialist
Office of Engagement & Extension
Colorado State University
Deer Trail, Colorado, United States
Mary Dozier, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi, United States
Kristin Miller, MS (she/her/hers)
Associate Extension Professor
Physical Therapy
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Mental health concerns are a gerontological research priority; however, older adults who would benefit most from research in this area (e.g., rural, socially isolated) are often underrepresented in research. With representation in every U.S. state, the Cooperative Extension (Extension) system is ideally situated to work with researchers to reach and positively impact older adults. However, despite a strong history of success in bridging research and practice, Extension is an often-overlooked asset. The main objective of this symposium is to highlight exemplary partnerships between academic faculty and Extension systems to positively impact older adult mental health. The first presentation will discuss the results of a systematic review highlighting studies that employed Community-based Participatory Research methods with the Extension system to positively impact older adult mental health. The second presentation will share the process of culturally adapting the National Council on Aging’s ‘Aging Mastery Program’ through the Extension system and the impact on older participants’ feelings of social connectedness. The third presentation will present the findings of a novel program, ‘Rightsizing’, that reduces hoarding behaviors of older adults by addressing their emotional connection to their possessions. The final presentation will identify the process of partnering with a Cooperative Extension system that implements a multi-state physical activity program, ‘Stay Strong Stay Healthy’, to improve older adult physical and psychosocial outcomes. This symposium will conclude with a discussion led by Dr. David Buys connecting each of the presentations and emphasizing the role of the national Extension system in improving older adult mental health outcomes.
Mental Health Practice and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Naomi R. Meinertz, PhD (she/her/hers) – University of Missouri
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Ginger Williams, MHA (she/her/hers) – Colorado State University
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Mary E. Dozier, PhD – Mississippi State University
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Kristin A. Miller, MS (she/her/hers) – University of Missouri