Long Beach State University's College of Health and Human Services Announces New Grant Program to Support Seniors and Aging

LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) has announced a new grant program designed to enhance the quality of life for residents at American Gold Star Manor, a Long Beach residence for seniors, and beyond. CHHS, along with funding support from American Gold Star Manor, Archstone Foundation and SCAN, is making available approximately $200,000 to develop projects that address community challenges and opportunities associated with the growing older adult population. CHHS faculty are invited to submit proposals in one of three topical areas of focus: social programs, transit solutions and navigation supports.

"The increase in human longevity has led to profound changes in the age structure of society and has implications for essential functions such as healthcare, recreation and leisure, policy planning and communications, among others," stated CHHS Dean Monica Lounsbery. "These sectors face considerable challenges in adapting to the rapid growth of the older adult population, yet offer a wealth of opportunities for scientific and applied innovation. CHHS is uniquely poised to address these challenges and is incredibly fortunate to have support from American Gold Star Manor, Archstone Foundation, SCAN and other community partners to effect positive change for seniors."

CHHS grants will be awarded to selected projects, with preference given to those tapping interdisciplinary teams of faculty. The goals of the program are to enhance the quality of life of seniors at American Gold Star Manor and beyond, and to build a multidisciplinary network of researchers and community partners to advance the base of evidence on successful aging. Looking beyond Long Beach, the program also aims to generalize and apply its successful findings and practices across the broader population of senior citizens.

"Gold Star Manor is a unique senior residence with a diverse and vibrant population of individuals and we are honored to partner with CHHS on this important initiative," stated Terry Geiling, president and CEO of American Gold Star Manor. "With selected projects required to incorporate a service learning component, report on measurable outcomes and more, we're confident the research will contribute significantly to current understanding of how to prepare the next generation of workforce to meet the social, intellectual, functional and healthcare needs of older adults."

The Archstone Foundation is a private grant making organization whose mission is to contribute toward the preparation of society in meeting the needs of an older population. "Archstone looks forward to working with CHHS, SCAN and American Gold Star Manor," said Joseph Prevratil, president and CEO of Archstone Foundation.

SCAN is a leading senior-focused organization with the mission of keeping seniors healthy and independent. Funding for the CHHS program stems in part from SCAN's $40,000 charitable contribution to the college in April in recognition of SCAN's 40th anniversary of service to seniors.

CHHS is accepting proposals until Nov. 15, 2017. Submissions will be evaluated by a committee comprised of faculty, representatives from community partners and other expert reviewers from diverse disciplines.

About American Gold Star Manor

The American Gold Star Manor is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that owns and manages an affordable, senior housing complex for the benefit of members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., gold star fathers, veterans and other qualified seniors. It also provides support for the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. organization. The Manor is located in Long Beach, Calif., and is the only facility of its kind in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.goldstarmanor.org/.

SOURCE American Gold Star Manor

Related Links

http://www.goldstarmanor.org