University of Wisconsin–Madison

Year: 2024

Older Adults as Research Advisors: “We Have What They Don’t Have”

“Aging and health issues change life’s choices and limit our options. But we must adapt and learn new ways to stay healthy and active. … I want researchers to know that aging requires that adaptability. But the system can make things better for aging people too.” “You see the color of my skin. You see …

Bringing an Aging Lens to Climate Change Research

“Environmental stresses reinforce existing physical and social vulnerabilities, and this is of particular concern for older adults,” says Michal Engelman, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for Demography of Health and Aging at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Climate change and its associated weather extremes have implications for people of all ages. However, …

Advancing Science and Practice for Persons Living with Dementia: Riding in the Moment Has Its Moment

“As a caregiver, I can speak to the fact that life is intense,” says Traci Edmondson. Edmondson is the dementia care specialist for Calumet and Outagamie counties in Wisconsin. She also cared for her husband while he was living with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. “You are always on. You are always caregiving,” she says. “You don’t …

Truckers on the Road to Better Cardiovascular Health

“We all know healthy behaviors are important, but sometimes they’re not our first choice,” says Wan-chin Kuo, PhD, RN, an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing. Everyone enjoys treats that aren’t so healthy. But imagine if most days you couldn’t get a good night’s sleep, or eat a home-cooked meal, or …

Making Hospitals More Dementia Friendly: Case Studies

The following is an excerpt from the “Planning for your hospital” section of the Dementia Friendly Hospital Toolkit developed by CARE and clinical and research faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing. As we developed CARE’s Dementia Friendly Hospital Toolkit, we learned from two Wisconsin hospitals with their own dementia friendly initiatives: the …