University of Southern California Students Visit TILDA for Summer School on Ageing
We were delighted to welcome a group of 25 students from the University of Southern California, led by Maria Henke, Senior Associate Dean of the Leonard David School of Gerontology, and Prof Sean Curran, Professor of Gerontology and Vice Dean. This Summer School aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of ageing and insights into the latest research and methodologies in the field, through a series of lectures and tours.
The group comprised undergraduates, MSc, and PhD students with a keen interest in ageing. Their diverse backgrounds in biology and social gerontology highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of modern gerontological studies. The students had a busy programme, which also included visits to some of our sister longitudinal studies of ageing in Edinburgh (HAGIS) and Belfast (NICOLA). The aimed to provide insights into the latest research and methodologies in the field of ageing.
The day's itinerary at TILDA, was as follows:
- 9:00 AM: Arrival and Greetings
Prof Rose Anne Kenny (TILDA PI) and Dr Cathal McCrory (TILDA Co-PI) - 9:05 – 10:00 AM: Overview of TILDA Health Centre Assessment followed by a tour of the Centre
Dr Ann Monaghan (TILDA Project Manager) - 10:00 – 10:45 AM: An Introduction to Ageing Research in TILDA
Prof Rose Anne Kenny - 10:45 – 11:15 AM: Coffee and Refreshments
- 11:15 – 12:00 PM: Biomarkers of Ageing in TILDA
Dr Aisling O’Halloran
Dr Monaghan provided an overview of the study design, waves, sampling, and content of the TILDA assessments, followed by a tour demonstrating the various health assessments conducted at the centre, including CRT, grip strength, TUG, Gaitrite, and heel bone ultrasound.
Prof Kenny introduced the students to the foundational ageing research conducted at TILDA, highlighting the impact of TILDA data on policy and practice.
Dr O’Halloran’s presentation focused on the difference between chronological and biological ageing, detailing how biological ageing progresses across the lifespan and its distinction from healthspan. She discussed the various biomarkers of ageing measured in the TILDA Biobank and their relevance to key age-related health outcomes such as multimorbidity, cognitive decline, depression, frailty, and mortality.
The students were highly engaged and expressed appreciation for the knowledge and insights gained during their visit. Prof Sean Curran and Maria Henke noted the positive feedback and confirmed the students' interest in returning next year, further solidifying this valuable educational exchange.
This Summer School collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing the study of ageing and fostering the next generation of gerontology experts.
We look forward to welcoming the USC students again next year for another enriching experience.