Healthy aging

OSU Extension supports healthy aging through research-based programs and resources that promote physical activity, brain health and social connection. We help older adults and caregivers make informed choices to maintain independence, well-being and quality of life.

Helping Memory-Impaired Elders: A Guide for Caregivers

Discusses the causes of dementia and how to cope with a progressive dementing illness, respond to dementia-caused behaviors, and communicate with a memory-impaired person. Provides guidelines for effective caregiving and for self-care for the caregiver.

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Photo Credit: tongpatong - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

Annual OSU Gerontology Conference

The annual conference is typically held each year on the Corvallis campus. It offers contemporary and applicable gerontological education from a variety of disciplines and perspectives and the opportunity to network with colleagues as well as local, national, and internationally-known gerontology professionals.

Aug 2025 | Online resource

Sherry Sheng | Volunteer Spotlight 2025

When Sherry Sheng retired in 2005, she joined the OSU Extension Master Gardener™ program in Clackamas County, eager to learn about the science of growing plants. In 2006, Sheng came up with an idea to offer research-based ...

May 2025 | Video

Omega-3s for health

Omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in human health and may help lower the risk of developing heart disease, some forms of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and macular degeneration.

Jung Kwon, Stephanie Polizzi | Nov 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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Coping with Caregiving: How to Manage Stress When Caring for the Elderly

This guide offers suggestions to help caregivers maintain their personal well-being while providing quality care for a relative or another care receiver.

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Photo Credit: Yingyaipumi - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest News

New OSU Extension hires strengthen health support for all ages

Family and Community Health faculty focus on youth mental health and aging services.

Grace Xue | Aug 14, 2025 | News story

Walk With Ease expands awareness through partnerships, marketing

The efforts demonstrated the effectiveness of community partnerships and targeted marketing strategies in increasing program reach and engagement.

Ellen Radcliffe | Apr 2025 | Impact story

StrongPeople builds culture of health among older adults

The program, which has been offered in Oregon by OSU Extension for nearly 20 years, helps older adults improve their physical and mental health through strength training, social interaction and community support, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.

Lauren Kraemer | Jan 2025 | Impact story

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Nutrition for Older Adults: Preventing Malnutrition as the Body Ages

Poor nutrition can cause a cascade of health problems for older adults. This guide lists the nutrients of concern for people over 60 — from antioxidants to calcium to water. Learn how eating well can stave off chronic disease.

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Photo Credit: Joshua Resnick - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Featured Programs

Walk With Ease: Walk With Ease (WWE) is an exercise program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with Walk With Ease!
Better Bones and Balance®: Better Bones and Balance® is an exercise program designed to gradually improve balance and strength to avoid falls and maintain independence.
StrongPeople™: StrongPeople™ is a nationally recognized, evidence-based community exercise program designed to increase the number of mid-life and older women participating in safe and effective strength training.

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Health outreach

Food security

Nutrition and healthy eating

Healthy homes

Family emergency preparedness

Physical activity

Meet Our Experts

Cindy Brown

4-H/FCH-SNAP Program Coordinator

Contact me for questions on 4-H youth development and healthy living programming in Sherman County as well as healthy living topics such as MyPlate, gardening, food preservation and food storage!

Lauren Kraemer

Associate Professor, Family and Community Health

Contact me if you are interested in learning more about partnering with Extension Health faculty to support health and wellbeing programs in Oregon's Central Region.

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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How to support an aging family member?

Q: My father is 92 and living on his own. He is overall in good health and is highly independent, but he is widowed and struggles with depression. We would like him to consider moving closer to family or to a community ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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