Archived News |

November 21, 2008

不良研究所 graduate student鈥檚 thesis accepted by national organization

The Gerontological Society of America will take the rare step of accepting a graduate student鈥檚 master thesis at their national conference this weekend.

Courtney Bordelon of Ball will present her interdisciplinary research examining whether higher cognitive abilities are necessary to make healthy lifestyle choices, knowing there is substantial evidence that such cognition declines with age.

Researchers call these higher cognitive abilities 鈥渆xecutive function,鈥� which can be significantly improved through proper nutrition and higher levels of physical fitness.

Courtney also looked at whether a subject鈥檚 feelings of control and confidence, known as 鈥渟elf efficacy,鈥� is important in behavioral change and whether it interacts with executive function.

Research indicates that an elderly person鈥檚 ability to implement knowledge into practical steps that sustain behavioral change depends on the strength of that person鈥檚 cognitive abilities.

鈥淭here are a host of implications for the elderly,鈥� Dr. William McCown, professor of psychology, explained.

鈥淜nowledge about unhealthy behavior is not enough. Nor is enthusiasm about doing the right thing. Courtney's research suggests that in order for elderly people to maximize their chances of maintaining healthy habits, they need more specific goals with more immediate feedback,鈥� he said.

Courtney's research impressed 不良研究所 professors because it was interdisciplinary 鈥� it brought psychology and gerontology faculty together. But, 鈥淚t was also a heck of a lot of work!鈥� acknowledged Dr. McCown.

According to figures provided by Dr. Chris Johnson, who also serves on Courtney鈥檚 thesis committee, GSA only accepts about 25 percent of research submissions for the conference.

This weekend鈥檚 meeting is the country's largest interdisciplinary conference in the field of aging. An estimated 3,500 professionals and aging authorities, as well as numerous media outlets will attend the more than 500 scientific sessions offered there.

For information on 不良研究所鈥檚 online M.A. in Gerontology call Dr. Iftekhar Amin at 318-342-1441 or amin@ulm.edu or visit .

PLEASE NOTE: Some links and e-mail addresses in these archived news stories may no longer work, and some content may include events which are no longer relevent, or reference individuals and/or organizations no longer associated with 不良研究所.