Honorable Mentions at ILR/UF Aging Research Exposition

Duane B. Corbett, PhD—postdoctoral associate under the mentorship of Dr. Todd Manini—and Shannon Cochrane—university scholar under the mentorship of Dr. Thomas Buford—both received honorable mention for their oral presentations during the Robert A. Levitt Research Awards Competition as part of the 6th annual Institute for Learning in Retirement/University of Florida Aging Research Exposition. Dr. Corbett’s presentation, entitled “Social Activity Moderates the Effect of Exercise on Mobility Disability among Older Adults”, and Shannon Cochrane’s presentation, entitled “Association of Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Events in Mobility-Limited Older Adults”, were among 3 other finalists that were selected from 34 presenters in a poster competition hosted at Oak Hammock. The five finalists were invited to deliver oral presentations on their work and to answer questions from members of the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) and faculty from the University of Florida who were among the judges for the competition. An awards ceremony was held on April 12th in the Oak Room at Oak Hammock.

For several years the ILR has supported University of Florida research and training of professionals in fields leading to greater understanding of the aging process. The ILR currently sponsors annual student research awards in research in aging as well as student expositions. Each spring ILR invites students and emerging professionals (graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and undergraduate first authors) to present posters at the ILR/UF Aging Research Exposition. These awards, initiated in 2011, are supported by ILR and the UF Institute on Aging. All research presented addresses topics related to aging, late life, adult development, and/or associated age-related conditions/phenomena.

The ILR is a vibrant community of retirement-age members who are engaged in lifelong learning, personal fulfillment and enjoyment through participation in a variety of courses, programs and activities. The Institute has operated since 2001 in partnership with the University of Florida. It is affiliated with Road Scholar (formerly known as Elderhostel) and is based at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida.

More information on the ILR and the awards program can be found here: http://www.ilratoakhammock.org/awards-program