About this track

The purpose of this research program is to gain a better understanding of the many factors involved in healthy aging and the complex interactions among these factors.  Its mission strives to enhance the quality of life through research, education, and community-based programs. 

Students specifically interested in learning about all facets of research in the field of Applied Psychology/Epidemiological Research will benefit from exposure to the Center.  Training and observation will be provided in preparation for face-to-face interviews with seniors.  Students should be working toward completion of a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, gerontology or related health profession. Students should have also completed, or be enrolled in, an introductory statistics course along with a research methods course. Previous experience with quantitative research and statistics to include coding of variables, managing and analyzing data and working knowledge of statistical software, literature searches, and manuscript writing is helpful.

Excellent written and verbal skills are required to clearly communicate with Center for Healthy Aging staff, interviewers, participants and the community.  Must be able to maintain excellent rapport with older adults while maintaining confidentiality of participant and study information.

Applicants have the opportunity to rank interest in individual research areas on the Application Form.  Every effort will be made to match you to your preference, but it is not guaranteed. 

About the location

The Center for Healthy Aging is home of the Longevity Study: Learning from our Elders, a non-invasive, observational research study. The Center collaborates with universities in Arizona and other researchers in the field of aging.  The Banner Sun Health Research Institute (BSHRI) Center for Healthy Aging’s Longevity Study has been performing annual clinical and cognitive assessments over the last ten years in more than 1,400 residents, age 50 and older, from the Phoenix metropolitan area, primarily the Northwest Valley. Research participants are predominantly retirement community residents, living at home or in continuous care retirement communities.  Over 600 participants continue to be interviewed annually with a focus on the oldest, 85 and older, as more research is needed on this fastest-growing segment of the population.

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Information required:

• Education history (high school to graduate school)
• Previous employment
• Military service
• Summary of past research experience
• Personal statement
• Contact information for faculty and professional references
• GPA
• Unofficial transcripts