Resources

All of Us Research Program – All of Us seeks to develop a research database of a million people across the country to speed up medical research and ensure that people who have been historically left out of medical research in the past can become better represented.

UW Carbone Cancer Center (UWCC) – Designated by the National Cancer Institute as the only comprehensive cancer center in the state of Wisconsin, UWCC is recognized throughout the Midwest and the nation as one of the leading innovators in cancer research, quality patient care, and active community involvement. UW Carbone Cancer Center’s goal for partnerships involves building and expanding upon authentic relationships across WI to improve the health of our communities.

Center for Aging Research and Education (CARE) – The Center for Aging Research and Education (CARE) supports discoveries that improve aging, and builds the skills and capacity of those who care for older adults.

Dementia Care Research Project – Dementia Care research focuses on understanding how to improve the quality of life for people with memory concerns and their caregivers by examining the care they receive at home or within the healthcare system. The Dementia Care Research project is an opportunity for people with memory concerns and their caregivers to get involved in dementia care research.

Center for Demography and Ecology (CDE) – a multi-disciplinary cooperative for social scientific demographic research and graduate training at the UW-Madison. CDE affiliates produce demographic research and data in the center’s five research areas: Demography of Inequality; Fertility, Families and Households; Health and the Life Course; Biodemography; and Environmental and Spatial Demography.

Center for Demography of Health and Aging – An interdisciplinary research center, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, that focuses on research aiming to increase the understanding of behavioral processes related to health and aging, with major themes including aging and the life course, disparities of aging trajectories, health economics and health services research, and impacts of place on aging processes.

Department of Neuroscience – This department brings together research and teaching in wide ranging areas of neuroscience including the study of ion channels, synaptic transmission, neural development, sensory and cognitive physiology and neural circuits.

Department of Medicine – Geriatrics & Gerontology – One of the premier academic divisions in the country, supporting nationally renowned programs in geriatrics research, education, and patient care. Through its extensive network of primary care and specialty clinics, the division supports a breadth of clinical activities providing state-of-the-art medical care to thousands of geriatric patients.

Institute for Research on Poverty – The IRP is a nonpartisan research institution dedicated to producing and disseminating rigorous evidence to inform policies and programs to combat poverty, inequality, and their effects in the United States.

La Follette School of Public Affairs – A leading academic institution in improving the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy and the practice of governance worldwide.

McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research – Provides high quality training in basic cancer research at the graduate and post-doctoral levels, and pursues outstanding research programs directed toward understanding the causes and biology of cancer.

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education – Facilitates research and graduate education through partnerships with schools, colleges, and other campus unities.

Osteoporosis Clinical Research Program – Their goal is to prevent fractures thereby maintaining independence and quality of life in older adults through education, research, and clinical care.

Office for Equity and Diversity – Provides leadership and consultation to develop and implement equity and diversity strategies throughout the campus, promotes the use of standardized and proactive HR processes, and coordinates campus compliance with affirmative action and equal opportunity requirements.

Participatory Learning & Teaching Organization (PLATO) – PLATO is a community of intellectually curious adults, typically 50 and over, which explores subjects of interest through member-led courses, discussion groups, lectures, travel and cultural activities. Continued learning and socialization are encouraged in our post-career lives and PLATO offers those opportunities in a companionable and accessible way at an affordable membership fee.

Research and Sponsored Programs – Promotes and facilitates the research, education, and outreach missions of the University of Wisconsin–Madison by supporting and administering outside funding.

School of Medicine and Public Health – Recognized as an international leader, the UW SMPH consistently strives to be on the forefront of health care innovation through service, science, scholarship, and social responsibility.

School of  Nursing – Their mission is to develop leaders for the profession and society- to make discoveries, enhance systems, and improve health through research, education and practice.

School of Pharmacy – A world-class leader in pharmacy education, research, and service in the pharmaceutical, social, and clinical sciences. The School of Pharmacy educates future pharmacists and scientists and provide professional development opportunities globally to practicing pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Wisconsin and the global community through improved health.

Social Science Computing Cooperative – SSCC supports researchers at UW–Madison who use statistical analysis in their work. They provide a complete research computing environment focused on statistics plus the expert help needed to use it.

Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) – SHOW is the only ongoing statewide-representative cohort, modeled after NHANES. SHOW has retrospective data and biospecimen available for use and offers prospective services to investigators to follow-up the cohort or recruit new participants. SHOW supports basic, clinical, and translational research, in addition to epidemiology studies and public health biomonitoring projects.

Swallowing and Salivary Bioscience Laboratory – SSBL is a translational research program focused on dysphagia (swallowing dysfunction). Specific research initiatives include the effects of intensive dysphagia rehabilitation on swallow function and health status; the feasibility of exercise-based approaches to treatment for patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease; and the impact of oral microbial profiles and saliva production on oral health and pneumonia risk in patients. The goal of our work is to improve the treatment and quality of life for those with swallowing disorders.

University League – A nonprofit membership organization open to all who support the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The purpose of the League is to raise funds for student scholarships and to promote volunteer services, educational opportunities, and social activities for its members.

UW Health Integrative Health – Integrative Health specialists at UW Health offer services that draw from both conventional and complementary medicine, helping you achieve your highest potential for wellness. They have a healing-oriented philosophy that focuses on less invasive therapies to help remove barriers that may be blocking the body’s ability to heal.

UW-Madison Speech and Hearing Clinic – Offers services to those who have communication difficulties related to hearing loss.  Our services include diagnostic hearing evaluations; new hearing aids or assistive listening devices; repair or reprogramming of hearing aids; and programming, troubleshooting, or counseling services for those with cochlear implants.

William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital Geriatric Research, Education & Clinical Center (GRECC)/ UW-Madison – This joint program conducts cutting edge research in aging, interdisciplinary education in geriatrics, and develops/implements new clinical models of care.

Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center – Their mission is to improve the lives of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease by facilitating innovative science that targets the prevention and treatment of the disease.  It combines academic, clinical, and research expertise from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, UW Health, and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute – An organization within the UW School of Medicine and Public Health that aims to improve the quality of life of persons living with dementia and their families across the state through research and community engagement.

Wisconsin Brain Donor Program – A repository for brain tissues that are donated and collected from approved donors for the purpose of research to advance knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Wisconsin Longitudinal Study – A continuing study of over ten thousand people who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957. WLS provides an opportunity to study a number of factors over the life course, such as physical and mental health and well-being, schooling, family functioning, etc.

Wisconsin National Primate Research Center – One of eight federally supported primate research centers that conducts research to increase the understanding of basic primate biology and to improve health and quality of human life by discovering treatments, preventions, and cures for human diseases.

Aging & Disability Resource Center of Dane County – The ADRC provides older adults and people with disabilities the resources needed to live with dignity and security, and to achieve maximum independence and quality of life.

Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care – a nonprofit, community-based health care agency providing hospice and palliative care services in private homes, and in skilled nursing, assisted living and other community residential facilities across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin – Supports individuals, families, and professionals impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and cognitive disorders through information, education and advocacy. Promotes the advancement of scientific research to better diagnose, treat and ultimately eliminate Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Association, Wisconsin Chapter – A leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Attic Angel Community – A community that provides high-quality senior living services in a caring and personalized atmosphere that respects the dignity, encourages the independence and enhances the quality of life of each resident.

American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) of Wisconsin – The only statewide Parkinson’s association, supporting the needs of Wisconsin’s Parkinson’s community, and actively working to support medical advances to reduce the progression of and hopefully find a cure for Parkinson’s. They are committed to raising public awareness of Parkinson’s disease and making a difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson’s and their family, friends and neighbors.

Area Agency on Aging of Dane County – Serves individuals who are age 60 and over and/or their family members by providing information and assistance in accessing services that will help older adults stay in their own homes and communities.

Bluestone Physicians Services – Their mission is to bring the highest-quality health care directly to residents in assisted living communities, memory care, and group home communities.

Board on Aging & Long Term Care – The BOALTC provides advocacy and information for recipients of long term care services thru their Ombudsman and Volunteer Ombudsman programs. BOALTC also provides counseling and education on Medicare and the options surrounding Medicare with the Medigap Helpline and Medigap Prescription Drug and Part D Helpline.

BrightStar Care – Offers medical and non-medical homecare along with medical staffing solutions to healthcare organizations of all sizes. From personal care to companion care, BrightStar Care services enable seniors and others to live independently in their homes as long as possible.

Capitol Lakes – Madison’s only downtown life plan community and exclusive partner of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Capitol Lakes offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing & rehabilitation with a lifestyle focused on active holistic wellness.

CapTel- Captioned Telephone – Captioned Telephone for people with hearing loss.

Cairasu Home Care and Comfort Care 4U – An In-Home Care agency committed to helping elderly with support needed to maintain independence and safety at the comfort of their homes. We are state licensed agency.

Capri Communities – Hyland Campus – Located in the beautiful, historic town of Sun Prairie, just outside of Madison, Hyland Campus offers beautiful apartments and many on-site and nearby amenities with an array of Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options.

Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups – A nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide membership organization founded in 1977. CWAG’s mission is to improve quality of life for people of all ages through: Intergenerational Understanding through Leadership Development, Public Education, Legal & Legislative Advocacy & Public Policy Development; and providing direct victim services in areas such as elder financial abuse.

Comfort Keepers – Caregivers provide customized plans that may include personal care and companionship-homemaker services that help seniors and other adults live an independent, quality life.

Community Pharmacy – an independent, worker-managed cooperative which promotes health by providing a range of affordable options for prescriptions, herbs, supplements, body care and homeopathic remedies. Our knowledgeable staff educates our customers and provides excellent service rooted in a deep caring for our community.

Coventry Village by Five Star – Madison’s west side retirement community, featuring Five Star amenities & lifestyle options for every need in the elegant Courtyard Homes Condominiums, Brookline Apartment Homes, Sebring Assisted Care Residence, and Bridge to Rediscovery Memory Care.

Emerson Senior Living – Offers a beautiful and gracious home for seniors that by design is also an inviting and fun gathering place for family, friends, and the community. They believe in the ageless spirit in all of us and therefore focus on what seniors can do, not on what they can’t do.

Golden Heart Senior Care – Wisconsin – Compassionate senior care focused on providing the highest quality care with compassion, dignity, and respect. We empower our clients and caregivers to work as a team, which keeps loved ones feeling independent and secure.

Hear Wisconsin – Providing comprehensive services and resources for anyone, with any degree of hearing loss, Hear Wisconsin is a nonprofit that helps infants, children, and adults with hearing loss by eliminating communication and language barriers through personalized services, technology, and education.

Hearing Loss Association of America – Wisconsin State Association – Their mission is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy.

Home Instead Senior Care – Madison – Providing supportive home care for seniors in the Dane County area. For over 20 years, we have been helping seniors to stay active, social, and engaging in our communities.

Independent Living, Inc. – You can have your life back with Independent Living, Inc. Older adults and people with disabilities have comprehensive choices available from us. Services include home chores, personal care, home health care, evening Meals on Wheels, home modifications, volunteer assistance, and senior housing options in Madison, Fitchburg, and Sun Prairie.

Journey of Aging Resource Guide – Resource Guide for Caregivers & Aging Adults in South Central Wisconsin… Striving to enlighten individuals with the educational tools to make informed decisions regarding aging programs, resources, and services in South Central Wisconsin.

Madison School & Community Recreation 50+ Fitness – MSCR 50+ fitness & wellness classes focuses on regular physical activity that helps build muscle, increase cardiovascular fitness and the overall well being of older adults so they can continue their day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others. MSCR 50+ Fitness is a community based fitness and wellness program with aqua, strength, dance, yoga, tai chi, walking classes and outdoor pursuits for adults over the age of 50.

Madison Senior Center – The Madison Senior Center provides opportunities for older adults to engage in healthy living education and activities in a relevant and inclusive community.

The Memoiry Journal – Inspiring you to reflect on the special moments of your family’s past, and record your stories to pass along for generations to come.

Momentum Insurance Plans – A locally owned dental HMO that offers competitive pricing and great plans for seniors in the Dane County area.

New Perspective Senior Living – In 1998, New Perspective Senior Living was born as a family-owned company of retirement communities in Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Our foundational belief—that all seniors deserve to Live Life on Purpose— was forged from their personal experience and is the bedrock of how we operate today.

NewBridge Madison – A non-profit social service agency that provides a wide variety of services and activities for older adults. We work with people 60 and older living in the city of Madison and Monona and our services are free depending on income.

Oak Park Place – We’re a family of senior living communities with   a great big heart, a welcoming smile and a single purpose. We exist to help you write the very best next chapter of your life. We do that by creating great places to live and sharing our GIFTS with you every day: Giving, Integrity, Family-first, Thoughtfulness and Social Engagement are at the core of all we do.

Oakwood Village – A non-profit faith-based senior living organization with two campuses in Madison. We operate full continuums of care with independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, home health, and hospice available onsite.

Office for the Blind & Visually Impaired – A Wisconsin state agency that provides one-on-one rehabilitation services to adults who are blind or have vision loss.

Outreach LGBT Community Center – The mission for the South Central Wisconsin OutReach LGBT Community Center is: “To promote equality and quality of life for LGBT people through community building and human services.” The half-time LGBT Senior Advocate position is funded by grants from both the City of Madison and Dane County.

Recover Health – A Medicare certified home health agency providing a full range of home care services, including skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy. With offices throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin, we provide care that allows individuals to remain at home and live as independently as possible.

RSVP Volunteer Programs of Dane County – Recruits and places volunteers, aged 55 and older, in volunteer opportunities in non-profits and public agencies throughout Dane County and Madison.

SAIL— Sharing Active Independent Lives –  A nonprofit membership program for older adults living in greater Madison. SAIL services and programs are designed to help members stay connected, active, and safe. Members enjoy helping one another, socializing, learning together, and having access to resources.

Senior Helpers – Madison – A premier provider for senior homecare. We offer tailored services ranging from companion care for seniors looking for assistance with daily activities to specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases. We also provide case management services for clients and families as well as free training for our community partners.

Seniors Helping Seniors – Our in-home care services brighten the lives of seniors who can benefit from a helping hand and a friendly smile. Our caregivers, who are seniors themselves, make your life easier by providing compassionate care in the comfort of your home.

SPARK! on the SQUARE – The Madison Children’s Museum, Veterans Museum, and Historical Museum offer SPARK!, a FREE 90 minute cultural arts program for children 7 & up, parents, and a grandparent with early memory loss. Assisted living & nursing home groups are welcome!

SSM Health Adult Day Health Center – Dedicated to providing respite to caregivers and a safe place for seniors and people with disabilities to receive socialization, nursing services, and fun activities.

State of WI Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired – Statewide Agency who teach independent living skills to people in their homes, provide group training and presentations, demonstrate adaptive equipment and provide information and referral services to persons who are blind or have low vision.

Tai Chi Health, LLC – Tai Chi Health’s mission is to make the many benefits of tai chi accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Our organization trains students and teachers in adaptive tai chi programs to help spread the practice to all who want to learn.

Visiting Angels – A non-medical in home care company. Visiting Angels assist anyone 18 years and older with activities of daily living and anything from companionship, errands, meal prep, personal care and bed-bound care through end of life care. They make it possible for people to stay home, where they prefer to be through all stages of aging.

The Waterford at Fitchburg – The Waterford at Fitchburg boasts spacious one- and two-bedroom condo-style apartments. We offer first-rate amentias and offer an age in place model that makes residents feel cozy with the privacy and independence everyone deserves.

WI Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center – Supports researchers in their pursuit of answers that will lead to improved diagnosis and care for patients while, at the same time, focusing on the program’s long-term goal — finding a way to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care – Information to be handed out regarding the agencies programs, including the Medigap Helpline with information on Medicare and healthcare coverage which surrounds Medicare including prescription options; the Ombudsman program information on the supportive advocacy to assure persons 60 and over receive the Long Term Supportive services they are entitled to whether in a facility or in their own homes; and the Volunteer Ombudsman program which recruits volunteers to be advocates for the vulnerable residing in skilled nursing homes.

Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired – A private, non-profit community-based organization whose mission is to promote the dignity and empowerment of people who are blind and visually impaired through services, advocacy and education. Services include low vision evaluations, in-home vision rehabilitation, access technology training, orientation and mobility training, and the Sharper Vision Store.

Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging – A one-stop shop for scientifically-proven self-managment education programs that can bring the power of better self-care to adults throughout our state – especially older adults. Over 35,000 people in Wisconsin have taken a workshop we offer through a network of provider organizations all over the state. That means thousands fewer trips to the emergency department or hospitalizations, fewer falls, better caregiving, and measurable reductions in the progress of illnesses.

Wisconsin Sleep – WI Institute of Sleep and Consciousness is located in Madison on Research Park Blvd. We are a comprehensive sleep disorders clinic and sleep research facility.

Wisconsin Talking Book & Braille Library – A free audio and braille library for Wisconsin residents with print disabilities. Print disabilities include vision impairments, blindness, physical handicaps and reading disabilities.

Administration on Aging (AOA) – The Administration on Aging (AOA) is the principal federal agency designated to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA). The OAA promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities. Services provided using AoA funds include, but are not limited to transportation, adult day care, caregiver supports, and health promotion programs.

Alliance for Aging Research – the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the pace of scientific discoveries and their application to vastly improve the universal human experience of aging and health.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) – AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.

American Federation for Aging Research – A national non-profit whose mission is to support and advance healthy aging through biomedical research.

American Geriatrics Society (AGS) – A nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. Provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policy makers, and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy.

American Society on Aging (ASA) – The essential resource to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge, and strengthen the skills of those who work with, and on behalf of, older adults.

American Sociological Association – A non-profit based in Washington, D.C., whose members include college and university faculty, researchers, practitioners, and students who are dedicated to advancing sociology as a scientific discipline and profession serving the public good.

Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) – Has a two-fold mission: To advance gerontology and geriatrics education in academic institutions and provide leadership and support to faculty and students.

The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation – One of the largest and most modern scientific facilities in the world dedicated to solving the puzzle of Alzheimer’s disease. Their mission is to understand the causes of Alzheimer’s disease; improve the care of people living with it – to enhance their quality of life, and find a cure.

Gerontological Society of America (GSA) – The nation’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. GSA’s principal mission is to promote the study of aging and disseminate information to scientists, decision makers, and the general public.

INFOAGING.ORG – Draws upon the expertise of scientists funded by the American Federation for Aging Research to provide the latest information in the science of aging.

National Academy on an Aging Society – As the policy institute of the Gerontological Society of America, the Academy actively conducts and compiles research on issues related to population aging and provides information to the public, the press, policymakers, and the academic community. The Academy produces publications aimed at providing researchers, teachers, students, and citizens interested in aging-related issues with valuable policy information.

National Council on Aging – A national leader helping people meet the challenges of aging by providing programs, services, online help, and advocacy.

National Institute on Aging (NIA) – As part of the National Institutes of Health, the NIA leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. NIA is the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer’s disease research. They have a blog for researchers.

National Institute on Aging – Health Information – Features up-to-date aging-related health information that is easily accessible for family members and friends seeking reliable, easy to understand on-line health information.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) – Part of the National Institutes on Health, the NIDCD conducts and supports research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) – As the largest biomedical research agency in the world, NIH seeks fundamental knowledge of the behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.

Population Reference Bureau – Informs people around the world about population, health, and the environment, and empowers them to use that information to advance the well-being of current and future generations.

Social Security Administration – The Official Website of the United States Social Security Administration; includes information about retirement, disability, and Medicare.

SuperAging Research Initiative – The purpose of the SuperAging longitudinal observational research study is to identify factors that contribute to the maintenance of cognitive functioning in old age. We will be looking at a variety of factors including cognition, personality traits, psychosocial factors, genetic factors, and brain structure.

MIDUS Website – Begun in 1995, MIDUS is a national longitudinal study of health and well-being with over 12,000 participants (first surveyed between the ages of 25 and 75). Find information about MIDUS results to date, including details about physical health and functioning in a national sample of Americans.

MIDUS Newsletters – MIDUS newsletters are intended for a general public audience and provide summaries of some of the key findings from the MIDUS study.

ICPSR – MIDUS data is publicaly available to researchers through ICPSR here.