Seminar

In this talk I will present the research being conducted at the Beckman Institute, University of Illinois on successful aging. This research focuses on a number of important topics of relevance to the enhancement of cognition and quality of life of older adults. The research programs that will be discussed include: redesign of medical information to enhance medication adherence of older adults taking multiple pharmacological agents; the role of expertise in reducing age-related cognitive decline and enabling older adults to remain in the workplace; cognitive, physical activity and multi-modal intervention programs (including social interaction, physical activity, and intellectual challenges) to enhance cognitive and brain function of older adults; understanding and encouraging older adults use of the internet to acquire important health and other information; and aging and driving. A brief description of each of these on-going projects will be provided – with substantial time allocated for questions and discussion of potential collaborations.

Arthur Kramer is Swanlund Chair and Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Illinois. He received his Ph.D. in Cognitive/Experimental Psychology from the University of Illinois in 1984. Professor Kramer’s research projects include topics in Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Aging, and Human Factors. He has published over 200 papers in referred journals and numerous book chapters on these topics. A major focus of his labs recent research is the understanding and enhancement of cognitive and neural plasticity across the lifespan.

He is the Director of the Biomedical Imaging Center at the University of Illinois, and Co-Director of the NIH Center for Healthy Minds. Professor Kramer served as an Associate Editor of Perception and Psychophysics and is currently a member of seven editorial boards. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, American Psychological Society, a member of the executive committee of the International Society of Attention and Performance, and a recent recipient of a NIH Ten Year MERIT Award. Professor Kramer’s research has been featured in a long list of print, radio and electronic media including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, CBS Evening News, Today Show, NPR, and Saturday Night Live. Last year Professor Kramer had the opportunity to testify to the U.S. Congress on Successful Aging.