Mission History and Background

Center on Aging Studies Without Walls MISSION, HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

MISSION

To meet -- long distance -- the programmatic, educational, and resource needs of the University of Missouri Extension Services and its constituents in the field of aging and to bring information on family caregiving and other significant aging topics and concerns relevant to aging appropriate for professionals, practitioners, and all persons interested in aging.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Center on Aging Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Missouri Outreach & Extension have worked together since the 1970s. Over the last few years both UMKC and the Outreach & Extension

network have recognized the value of the technological changes in computers and interactive video for educational and professional practice. Since 1995 the Center on Aging Studies has maintained regular online contact with Outreach and

Extension through the Internet which features the UMKC Aging Bulletin, articles, events, and other information about aging.

In 1996 Missouri Outreach and Extension awarded the Center on Aging Studies at UMKC a grant to expand this online contact. The project called for the establishment of a Web Site for the UMKC Center on Aging Studies which laid the groundwork for a strengthened and expanded quick response capacity in addressing aging issues across the State of Missouri. This effort, in its initial phase, draws upon a wide range of local and national resources on family caregiving issues as they relate to caring for older adults. The family caregiving topic was identified as the first priority by the Missouri Extension Base Program Team on Aging. The second priority, successful aging, is currently under construction.

Called the Center on Aging Without Walls, this computerized online informational and educational system responds to a critical need expressed by many Missouri counties in the formal assessment of their needs. It is an integral part of Outreach & Extension's Family Strength Base Programming for the State of Missouri.

OUTCOMES:

1. An on-line computer-assisted program which links communities to information and resources at UMKC, as well as to national resources on a variety of topics of high interest to communities.

2. Continued access to up-to-date information on research and programs for families, elderly and professionals.

3. Strengthened capacity of families to deal with caregiving concerns.

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To contact Site Administrator, e-mail: Lois Fitzpatrick