Free UArizona Webinar Asks, “Are We Ready for the World's Largest Aging Demographic Shift”?

Feb. 8, 2023

Joint Media Release 02/07/2023
UArizona Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI-UA) and the Psychology Department, College of Science

Free UArizona Webinar Asks, “Are We Ready for the World's Largest Aging Demographic Shift”?

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI-UA) and the Psychology Department at the University of Arizona are offering a free webinar on Monday, February 20th at 1pm MST focused on an upcoming and significant demographic change.

The online event is open to the public, who can register on the OLLI-UA home page at https://olli.arizona.edu/

Per the U.S Census Bureau, in less than two decades the "graying of America" as well as the rest of the world will be a well-established fact. By 2034 adults over the age of 65 are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. Some may be alarmed by this demographic shift, but others see it as an opportunity. This change has wide implications for economic growth, patterns of work and retirement, the way that families function, the ability of governments and communities to provide adequate resources for older adults, and the prevalence of chronic disease and disability.

This free online webinar will be presented by Dr. Linda Hollis of the Psychology Department at the University of Arizona, and will include recent data on our aging society, a debunking of stereotypes and myths about aging, and insights about the challenges as well as possibilities that will emerge with this shift.

For over 25 years, Dr. Hollis has worked in the field of aging, behavioral health, and nonprofit executive leadership. Her passion for aging stems from her work in various long-term care and community settings, both in Canada and the U.S. Dr. Hollis received her Master’s in Gerontology, specializing in Alzheimer's Disease, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Psychology, and a PhD in Psychology, focusing on Human-Animal Bonding. Recently, Dr. Hollis has participated in the development and implementation of the Insights into Healthy Aging Certificate for undergraduate students at the University of Arizona and recently developed the new Community Certificate - Insights into Healthy Aging: For Caregivers and Professionals.

Interview Requests and Media Contacts:

  • Dr. Linda Hollis, Assistant Professor of Practice, Psychology Department, College of Science - lindahollis@arizona.edu - (520) 621-7447
  • Scott Aldridge, OLLI-UA Program Manager – wsa@arizona.edu - (520) 622-9039

About OLLI-UA: Curiosity never retires is the motto of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arizona (OLLI-UA). For over 30 years OLLI-UA has offered life-enriching community education for adults 50+. This almost entirely volunteer run healthy aging program keeps members engaged mentally and socially with over 300 in-person and online class offerings each year. Learn more at https://olli.arizona.edu/

About UArizona Psychology Department: The UArizona Psychology Department is advancing the science of psychology from infancy to old age. The department is part of the School of Mind, Brain, and Behavior (MBB), housed within the College of Science. Through innovative and multidisciplinary research, we advance our basic understanding of the mind and brain, promote successful development and aging, and create innovative treatments for optimizing mental health. By engaging students, we prepare the next generation of scientists and leaders in society. Learn more at: https://psychology.arizona.edu/

Contacts
Dr. Linda Hollis, Assistant Professor of Practice, Psychology