The Engaged Aging Lab is aimed to maximize the aging experience to promote older adults’ ability to age in the place that they choose. Driven by occupational therapy and gerontology as guiding theoretical frameworks, we incorporate the environment, personal preferences, and meaningful occupations (how one occupies their time) into research, community outreach, and education. The Engaged Aging Lab is driven toward state-of-the-art behavioral science for community-based research including aging in place, telehealth and technology as a method to improve care outcomes, diversity and inclusion in clinical research, and improved health equity for underrepresented and underserved communities. Whether working with individuals, dyads, or community partners, we are continually focused on improving health outcomes and quality of life through identification and intervention on mechanistic factors that drive behavior change.
In the below podcast, Elizabeth Rhodus shares insights into the development behind the Engaged Aging Lab:
Ph.D. in Gerontology from the University of Kentucky
Assistant Professor of Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and Department of Behavioral Science Primary Faculty of Center for Health Equity Transformation
As an experienced and caring occupational therapist with a passion for helping aging adults, Dr. Rhodus has facilitated an interdisciplinary collaboration through Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. At the University of Kentucky, she has founded their first community-based aging lab: Engaged Aging. Dr. Rhodus’ mission through her lab is to engage older adults in life through: improving rural Kentucky health care access via Telehealth, detection of health risks and early prevention of cognitive impairment and dementia within various communities, and providing opportunities for clinical trial interventions to those that may benefit most. Engaged Aging brings the most recent healthy aging initiatives of the University of Kentucky directly to members of your communities across Kentucky, which is only possible through partners and caregivers like you!
Favorite Occupations:
Cooking new recipes, because sometimes you just need to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Traveling and enjoying the unique cultures and communities every new place has to offer.
And conducting community outreach and research to best serve those that fuel her passion!
To access Dr. Rhodus’ articles, please see link below:
Masters in Dietetic Administration from the University of Kentucky
Currently seeking her Ph.D. in Health Communication at the University of Kentucky, Yolanda has recently joined the Center for Health Equity and Transformation (CHET) as a graduate Research Assistant, as well as the Engaged Aging Lab. Yolanda’s interests include patient-provider interactions, health campaigns and health message design with her past work experiences including lecturing in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition and working in clinical settings. As a licensed and registered Dietitian, she has a passion for chronic disease management with a focus on medical nutrition interventions and lifestyle changes that can most benefit the individuals and communities that she works with!
Favorite Occupations:
Enjoying the process of cooking and baking in her kitchen.
Exploring new foods from different cultures.
And traveling to all the places those unique tastes come from!
Engaged Aging Occupational Therapist
Laura Henley, MS, OTR/L CDP
Masters in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University
Certified Dementia Practitioner
Though 3/4 of us are Occupational Therapists, we hold Laura’s treatment delivery through Engaged Aging’s clinical research at the top! Laura is a licensed occupational therapist in the state of Kentucky who specializes in the delivery of occupational therapy assessments and interventions for older adults, certified especially for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with behavioral symptoms. For nearly ten years, she has worked in leadership and management positions in addition to providing direct clinical provision with this population. Laura now blesses our lab with her fine tuned knowledge and compassion while implementing the next wave of sensory-based occupational therapy being developed and clinically trialed right here at the Engaged Aging Lab!
Favorite Occupations:
Engaging in all that the outdoors have to offer.
Taking in nature while hiking beautiful new trails.
And of course doing all of these things and more with family!
Engaged Aging Laboratory Technician, Trainee
Nancy Wolff, BA
Nancy is a student in UK’s Neuroscience Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program who joined the Engaged Aging Lab late 2024. She graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Psychology, and she hopes to continue her education to earn a doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology. As a part of her program, she’s learning about the process of neuroscience research and careers in academia and clinical work. One of the driving passions behind her goal to earn a PhD is to care for people with dementia and their caretakers by designing practical, holistic interventions. In the lab, Nancy works on data organization and outreach coordination.
Favorite Occupations:
Reading great books, mostly fiction
Exploring local coffee shops around Lexington
Spending time with friends and loved ones!
Engaged Aging Graduate Research Assistant, Trainee
Nyla Swain, BS
As a Graduate Research Assistant in the Engaged Aging Lab, Nyla is a passionate M.S. student in Medical Sciences with a deep commitment to advancing mental and brain health, particularly in underserved communities. With a focus on neuroscience, behavioral science, and health equity, Nyla is dedicated to exploring innovative interventions that can improve the well-being of minority populations. Driven by a desire to bridge the gap in healthcare access and outcomes, Nyla combines scientific rigor with a compassionate approach to tackling mental health challenges.
Favorite Occupations:
Traveling near and far, exploring different cultures and food
Hitting the gym as a fitness enthusiast
Experimenting with new recipes as a home chef!
Interventionist
April Stauffer, MS
April Stauffer has worked with persons living with dementia since 2002. She began serving as a volunteer at the Best Friends Day Center, then worked in a memory care facility where she coordinated all activities for persons with memory loss. For sixteen years she worked for the Alzheimer’s Association, providing outreach as well as education and support to families and individuals living with dementia. She has taught various classes about the disease including general overviews, common behaviors, how to connect, how to communicate, and how to cope. April currently works as a program coordinator for the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. In her role she provides outreach to the community. She has helped to develop the Brain Health Activities program and worked as an interventionist for the Harmony at Home program.Her passion is to be a support for families facing dementia. She enjoys being part of the Harmony at Home program because it allows her to be a support for caregivers who need education and resources. April has a Master’s degree in Family Studies from the University of Kentucky. She currently co-chairs the Dementia Friendly Lexington Advisory Council.
Research Assistant
Clarissa Benzarti, OTD
Clarissa Benzarti is a recent graduate student of NOVA Southeastern located in Clearwater, FL., where she earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree. Clarissa is a remote research assistant in the Engaged Aging Lab, working under Dr. Elizabeth Rhodus, where she also completed her final capstone project for her degree. Her research interest includes understanding the change in sensory systems of the neurocognitively impaired and how to support aging in place while considering these changes.
Medical Student, Trainee
Brian Carter
Brian Carter is a second-year medical student at UK College of Medicine. Originally from Morehead, KY, his research interests are predominantly in the mystery of the human mind and Alzheimer’s Disease. His current role in the lab is data collection, organization, and categorization.
Favorite Occupations:
Watching UK Athletics (Go Wildcats!)
Photography
Community Outreach
Caitlyn Curtis
As the newest Research coordinator at UK St Claire, Caitlyn serves with community outreach for the rural Eastern Kentucky area. Her bachelor’s degree in Public Health and six years of experience in direct patient care provide an excellent background to promote interest and involvement in research studies. She recognizes the value of the Engaged Aging Lab, especially for underserved populations, and is diligent about educating Eastern KY on Alzheimer’s disease and resources that are available to patients and caregivers alike.
Favorite Occupations:
Traveling to new places and trying new cuisine
Outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or relaxing on the lake
Yoga, running, weightlifting, and finding any way to keep her body moving
