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The Gerontology Institute carries out basic and applied social and economic research on aging and engages
in public education on aging policy issues, with an emphasis in four areas: Income security, health (including
long-term care), productive aging, and basic social and demographic research on aging.
Income Security. The Institute's work on income security includes active
participation in the national debate on Social Security reform. The Institute's research in this area
includes minority participation in private pensions, reverse-equity mortgages, and income adequacy for
elders.
The Institute's Pension Action Center offers counseling for citizens on their pension
rights. The Center consists of the New England Pension Assistance Project (NEPAP) and the National Pension
Lawyers' Network (NPLN); the center also supports funded and unfunded research on retirement issues. NEPAP
provides expert assistance to people having difficulties in locating and securing pension benefits from
employers. NEPAP services are free of charge and are available to residents of New England.
Long-Term Care. Projects on long-term care include analysis of options to strengthen
long-term care financing; the development of improved measurements of the quality of long-term care; and
technical assistance to the Massachusetts Legislature and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs on long-term
care policy and program development.
Productive Aging. The Institute's work on productive aging focuses attention on
employment, volunteer, and educational opportunities for elders. Work in this area has included a demonstration
concerned with age discrimination in employment, and a demonstration to assist councils on aging to develop
stronger volunteer programs.
The Institute's learning in retirement program, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI),
is affiliated with the national network of learning in retirement programs organized by the Elder Hostel
Institute. Members have access to the more than 50 courses each year plus frequent lectures and special events.
The program is largely self-financed through members' dues. Instructors contribute their services. OLLI is
governed by its own board of directors.
Social Demography. The Institute's work on social demography includes research on
- housing options and household arrangements for minority elders,
- implications of linguistic isolation among immigrant elders for access to health services,
- access for elders to community-based long-term care options, and
- implications of productive aging for the health of elders.
The Journal of Aging & Social Policy
The Institute provides editorial leadership for the Journal of Aging & Social Policy, a peer-reviewed,
quarterly journal published by the Haworth Press. The Journal is distinguished by its emphasis on policy
and its attention to international developments. A significant portion of editorial content and
circulation is international.
Support for Educational Programs in Gerontology
The Institute has a close relationship with the University's graduate and undergraduate Gerontology programs.
Senior Institute personnel teach in the Ph.D. program in Gerontology. The Institute provides apprenticeship
opportunities for graduate students. Gerontology faculty members are active in conducting research in the
Institute.
Training and Technical Assistance Center
The Institute provides in-service training and technical assistance to organizations in the aging services field.
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