Center on Aging Research Cluster

The Center on Aging Research Cluster is a group of University of Michigan-Flint faculty who, together with students and collaborators, are engaged in aging-focused research, professional development, and community outreach and engagement. Initial funding for the Center on Aging was from the Ben F. Bryer Foundation.

Our Goals

Goal 1: Understand

Enhance our understanding of physical, cognitive, psychological, and socio-economic problems and issues of older adults living in Flint, Genesee County, and beyond.

Goal 2: Solve

Propose innovative and feasible solutions to the physical, cognitive, psychological, and socio-economic problems and issues of older adults in our region.

Goal 3: Build Expertise

Enhance faculty and student expertise in aging-related topics through training, mentorship, and collaboration.

Goal 4: Engage

Conduct engagement and outreach activities with local agencies and centers serving adults 65 years and older.

Faculty Members

Impact & Recognition

CoARC faculty contribute regularly to peer-reviewed research, professional conferences, and field-recognized awards.

Awards

• Jennifer Blackwood — American Physical Therapy Association, Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy 2019 Research Award.
• Jennifer Blackwood — Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy Research Award, American Physical Therapy Association (2018). Awarded for enduring and outstanding research pertaining to oncologic physical therapy. Given for the research in balance and falls in cancer survivors.
• Min Hui Huang — Blue Ribbon Award, American Physical Therapy Association Health Policy and Administration Section. Awarded for the most outstanding work in Social Responsibility presented at the Combined Sections Meeting (poster: “Alpena Empowered Movement Program: An Outcomes Study in a Rural Community” by Doubek A, Huang M, Goldberg A, Chung T. February 2020).

2022

• Tiernan C, Goldberg A. (2022). The original and short versions of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale in community-dwelling older adults: Clinical implications based on scale agreement, internal consistencies, and associations with self-rated health. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000345
• Zhu L, Luo H, Zhang J. (2022). Using Time Difference Analysis Algorithms to Measure the Response Time of Rat Auditory Cortex Neurons to Auditory Nerve Stimulation. Measurement and Control, 55(3-4):126-135. doi: 10.1177/00202940221089242

2021

• Blackwood J, Suzuki R, Karczewski H. (2021, in press). Neighborhood Walkability is Associated with a Recent History of Falls in Urban Dwelling Older Adults. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
• Blackwood J, Rybicki K, Huang M. (2021). Cognitive measures in older cancer survivors: an examination of validity, reliability, and minimal detectable change. Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 12(1):146-151.
• Engle K, Homsi M, Suzuki R, Helvie K, Adler J, Plonka C, Zimmermann E. (2021). Newly Diagnosed Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Relationship Between Perceived Psychological Support, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Disease Activity. Health Equity, 5(1), 42-48.
• Huang MH. (2021). Balance and fall in survivors of cancer. Rehabilitation Oncology, 39(1):4-5.
• Martinez T, Tang C. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQIA+ individuals’ technology use to seek health information and services. In Proceedings of the 15th EAI International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare, 2021.
• Suzuki R, McCarthy MJ, Ganai S. (2021, in press). Functional Limitations and Barriers to Care Influence the Likelihood of Adherence to Mammography Guideline. American Journal of Health Behavior.
• Buterakos R, Keiser M. (in press). Implementing a delirium admission protocol in the emergency department. International Journal of Gerontology.

2020

• Amini R, Kawser B. (2020). The impact of the interaction between mild and mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment with chronic health problems on hospital admission among community-dwelling older adults. Geriatrics & Gerontology International. doi: 10.1111/ggi.14070
• Amini R, Sahli M, Ganai S. (2020). Cigarette smoking and cognitive function among older adults living in the community. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2020.1806199
• Gore S, Goldberg A, Huang MH, Shoemaker M, Blackwood J. (2020). Validity of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 31(4):159-166.
• Huang MH, Burnham A, Doyle L, Fry D, Wiske L, Kolanda M, Khitrik E, Goode J, Smith H, Shea K, Houston N. (2020). Effects of resistive inspiratory exercise on activity participation, fatigue, and respiratory infections in persons with advanced multiple sclerosis living in a long-term care facility. Journal of Nursing Home Research Sciences, 6:78-81.
• Zhu N, Miller NS. (2020). Assessment system for Parkinson’s disease tremor and correlation analysis with applied signal processing algorithms. Journal of Engineering and Science in Medical Diagnostics and Therapy, 3(4):1-8.
• Zhu N, Luo H, Zhang J. (2020). Evaluating Auditory Neural Activities and Information Transfer Using Phase and Spike Train Correlation Algorithms. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 28(7):1548-1555.

2019

• Tiernan C, Fleishman H, Hiscox M, Shaver S, Stauffer S, Thibodeau P. (2019). Investigating factors related to self-rated health in older adults: A clinical approach using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 42(2):86-97.
• Shuler K, Sucic JF, Talley SA, Goldberg A. (2019). Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism, lower extremity strength, and physical performance in older adults. Physical Therapy, 99(8):998-1009.

2018

• Miller NS, Chou KL, Bohnen NI, Muller MLTM, Seidler RD. (2018). Dopaminergic polymorphisms associated with medication responsiveness of gait in Parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, 48:54-60.

2017

• Groden S, Woodward AT, Taylor R, Chatters L. (2017). Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines for Mental Disorders among Older Adults: differences between pre-boomers and baby-boomers. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25(12):1393-1401.
• Tang C, Chen Y, Cheng K, Ngo V, Mattison JE. (2017). Awareness and Handoffs in Home Care: Coordination among Informal Caregivers. Behaviour and Information Technology, 37(1):66-86. (*Equal contributions)

2021

• Blackwood J, Amini R, Conti G, Hanses Q, Taylor R, Naimi R, Fayyad D. (2021). Longitudinal Association of Executive Function and Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Poster, Gerontological Society of America 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting Program Workgroup, Phoenix, AZ.
• Blackwood J, Amini R, Conti G, Hanses Q, Taylor R, Naimi R, Fayyad D. (2021). Association of Executive Function and Postural Stability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Approach. Poster, International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research 2021, Virtual.
• Goldberg A, Sucic JF, Shuler K, Talley SA. (2021). ACE genotype interacts with fear of falling in relation to rapid stepping in older adults. Platform presentation, Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Tiernan C, Goldberg A. (2021). The original and short versions of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scales in community-dwelling older adults. Poster, University of Michigan-Flint’s Center on Aging Symposium: Aging in Flint — Defining Current Concerns.

2020

• Blackwood J, Karczewski H, Huang M, Pfalzer L. (2020). Katz activities of daily living disability by age, stage, and type of cancer. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting.
• Blackwood J, Rybicki K, Karczewski H, Huang M, Pfalzer L. (2020). Mobility and cognitive measures in older cancer survivors: Examination of reliability and minimal detectable change. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting.
• Cooper D, Buterakos R, Tith J, Lee S. (2020). Challenges in Post-Hospitalized Transition Care: A Retrospective Chart Review of Nursing Home Residents Diagnosed with Urinary Tract Infection. Poster, 2020 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo.
• Doubek A, Huang M, Goldberg A, Chung T. (2020). Alpena Empowered Movement Program: An Outcomes Study in a Rural Community. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting.
• Ganai S, Suzuki R, Blackwood J, Webster N. (2020). Walkability and Social Ties in Fall Prevention: Lessons learned in recruitment and retention of older adults in Flint. University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center Symposium.
• Groden S, et al. (2020). Meditation and Older Adults in Flint: A Pilot Study. Healthy Flint Research Coordinating Center (HFRCC), 3rd Annual Research Symposium, Flint, MI. (Conference canceled due to COVID-19.)
• Lee J, Turney I, Amini R, Katz B, Ajrouch K, Antonucci T. (2020). Relationship Quality and Cognition across Ethnic Groups. Accepted for symposium, Gerontology Society of America Scientific Annual Meeting.
• Suzuki R, McCarthy MJ. (2020). Social and environmental risk factors for isolation among older Americans with physical disabilities. Poster, American Public Health Association.
• Suzuki R, Blackwood J, Webster N. (2020). Neighborhood walkability among older adults with and without physical disabilities. Poster, Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting.
• Zhu N, Miller N, Tang C, Pendyala S, Hanses Q, Gladding L. (2020, November). Reliability check of an assessment system for Parkinson’s disease tremor monitoring with portable devices. Paper, International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition 2021, Virtual.

2019

• Groden S. (2019). Social Worker-Patient Communication Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Poster, Ethnographic and Qualitative Research Conference.
• Huang M, Croarkin E, Blackwood J, Hile E, Wampler-Kuhn M, Colon G, Pfalzer L. (2019). Oncology Section EDGE Task Force on Cancer: A Systematic Review of Measures of Balance and Falls Risk. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting.
• Huang M, Blackwood J, Godoshian M, Pfalzer L. (2019). Predicting falls in breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer survivors. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting.
• Zhu N, Miller NS. (2019). Assessment of Parkinson’s disease tremor and correlation analysis with applied signal processing. Paper, International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition.

2018

• Amini R, Ingman SR, Swan J, Tuner K. (2018). Depressive Symptoms as a mediating factor between External Social Engagement and Health-related Quality of Life. Poster, Healthy Aging Summit.
• Goldberg A, Shuler K, Sucic JF, Talley SA. (2018). Associations between lower extremity strength and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults: differences among ACE genotype subgroups. Poster, Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association.

2017

• Carignan A, Tipp H, Davis M, Wu T, Chou K, Kotagal V, Seidler RS, Miller NS. (2017). Effectiveness of a Community-Based Bicycling Intervention for Parkinson’s Disease on Motor Symptoms and Quality of Life. Poster, Michigan Physical Therapy Association’s Fall Conference.
• Gore S, Blackwood J, Tiernan C. (2017, July). Determinants of functional mobility in older adults. 21st IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

Additional

• Amini R. Mild Cognitive Impairment and the likelihood of hospital admission: A longitudinal study. Poster, American Public Health Association, Annual Meeting.

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Programs & Partnerships

CoARC supports interdisciplinary research through funded grants, ongoing partnerships across UM-Flint, and recorded symposia and seminars.

Recordings of past CoARC events featuring faculty and invited speakers.

Empowering Older Adults to Age Actively

“Tools for Assessing, Prescribing, and Addressing Physical Activity Barriers” by Mariana Wingood. The talk covered aerobic, strengthening, and balance components of community-dwelling older adult physical activity patterns.

UM-Flint Center on Aging Symposium

On January 14, 2021, the UM-Flint Center on Aging held its first event, a 3-hour virtual symposium titled “Aging in Flint: Defining Current Concerns.” Approximately 80 faculty and students attended along with representatives from foundations and agencies. Chancellor Debba Dutta and Director Allon Goldberg provided opening remarks. Dean Donna Fry moderated a panel discussion with community leaders, followed by smaller breakout discussions on needs and support for seniors, financial models for affordable senior living, and the role of senior centers. The symposium concluded with research posters on physical and mental health with aging.

Cancer, Cognition and Physical Function

On March 18, 2021, Jennifer Blackwood, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, gave a 1-hour seminar on Cancer, Cognition, and Physical Function. Blackwood and her collaborators have published studies on this topic in peer-reviewed journals. Her work shows that cognitive deficits are found in cancer survivors and are associated with changes in gait, balance, and falls in older cancer survivors.

Track My PD: A Mobile App for Parkinson’s

Associate Professor of Psychology Nathan Miller gave a seminar on December 7, 2021, describing a mobile application that he and his collaborators are developing to track motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. Miller describes the project’s development, reliability and validation studies, and what additional work remains. This work extends Miller’s previous work on cycling as an exercise intervention in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Funded Grants

• Bao S, Miller N (Principal Investigators), Tang C (Co-Investigator). Inclusive Design in Shared Autonomous Vehicles for People with Parkinson’s Disease. UM-Dearborn / UM-Flint Offices of Research. 2022-2023.
• Blackwood J (Principal Investigator). Predictive Technology Caregiver Engagement and Fall Prevention Platform Pilot Trial. Small Company Innovation Program. 2019.
• Blackwood J (Principal Investigator). Perceptions of Neighborhood Walkability, Socialization, and Falls in Community Dwelling Older Adults. Summer Undergraduate Research Experience from the C.S. Mott Foundation, UM-Flint Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. 2019.
• Blackwood J (Principal Investigator), Suzuki R (Co-PI), Webster N (Co-PI). Take a Hike! Aging, walkability, and physical function in Flint’s older adults. M-Cubed 3.0. 2019-2021.
• Buterakos R (Principal Investigator), Cooper D, Lee SY. Accuracy of urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnoses in residents transferred from Emergency Departments and back to skilled care facilities. M-Cubed. 2018-2021.
• Case D (Principal Investigator), Groden S, Sahli M, Tremaine W. Digital Divide 2.0: Training Older Adults in the Use of Internet Technology. Center on Aging Faculty Grant. 2022.
• Doubek A, Huang M (Co-Investigator). Alpena Empowered Movement Program: An outcomes study in a rural community. Michigan Physical Therapy Association Institute of Education and Research Large Research Grant. 2018-2019.
• Groden S (Principal Investigator), Case D, Sahli M, Tremaine W. Aging in Genesee County: Where is the Digital Divide? Pilot Study. Center on Aging Faculty Grant. 2021.
• Groden S (Principal Investigator). Meditation for older adults for stress reduction: A pilot study. Michigan Institute of Clinical and Health Research, University of Michigan. 2019-2020.
• Groden S (Principal Investigator), Blackwood J (Co-Investigator), Goldberg A (Co-Investigator). UM-Flint Senior Programming: Intergenerational College Experience (SPICE) Program. GSA Seed Grant & RCA Grant. 2020-2021.
• Huang MH (Academic Partner), Doubek A, Hepburn A (Community Partners). Alpena Empowered Movement Program. Michigan Health Endowment Fund Community Health Impact Grant. 2020-2021.
• Huang MH (Principal Investigator), Peethambaran G. Predicting Fall Risk, Perceptions, Circumstances, and Consequences of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Prospective Study. Clinical Research Grant, American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy Pilot Grant. 2017-2019.
• Maeda (Center PI), Suzuki R (Project Principal Investigator). R2b Community Inquiry. Rehabilitation Research Training Center on Promoting Healthy Aging for Individuals with Long-Term Physical Disabilities. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. 2018-2023.
• Miller NS (Principal Investigator). Developing a Parkinson’s Disease Care and Research Network within East Michigan Prosperity Region 6. EDA University Center for Community and Economic Development Research Fund at University of Michigan-Flint. 2017.
• Zhu L (Principal Investigator), Miller N (Co-Investigator), Tang C (Co-Investigator). Using Body Worn Sensors to Measure Movement and Movement Feedback Following Exercise Interventions. University of Michigan (across campuses, M-Cubed 3.0), Office of Research. 2018-2022.