Duke University Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development

Social and Behavioral Research, coordinated by center Associate Director Linda K. George covers a variety of subjects, most of which focus on quality of life during old age. This focus is important to the older population; it also facilitates multidisciplinary research. Examples of social and behavioral research projects at the center include social factors and illness, age changes in sensory and cognitive processes, community-based and institutional long-term care, ways to promote independent living in the community, and coping with chronic illness.

Recently, two research efforts have attained programmatic status in the center. The first focuses on health and aging among African Americans. Much of this effort is funded by an Exploratory Center for Minority Aging award from the National Institute on Aging. The second focuses on religion, health, and aging, examining the ways in which religious participation protects health and facilitates recovery from illness.