People in general are living longer and that is great news, but it also creates a need for addressing critical challenges related to age-related diseases and disabilities. Even more important, it challenges us to consider ways to promote successful, healthy aging so people can live the healthiest and most productive lives.

The Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging, launched with a generous $5 million gift from Bob and Kitty Wilson, owners of Columbine Health Systems, addresses these challenges by serving as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research, education, and community engagement around cutting-edge issues involved in healthy and successful aging.

The Center unites current expertise and active research programs at CSU in the biological and psychological/sociological aspects of healthy aging, basic and translational science, and integration of animal and human models of aging. True to CSU’s land-grant heritage, a significant focus of activity involves community engagement and the translation of scientific discoveries to programs and policies that support successful aging.

The Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging houses an integrated suite of offices and lab spaces for faculty who are engaging in cutting-edge research on biological, cognitive, psychological, social, and behavioral factors that lead to healthy and successful aging. The Center leverages and brings together extensive existing research on aging at the university, and offers new opportunities for research and community programs.

CSU has a long history of aging-related research, and this beautiful new center provides a collaborative, state-of-the-art space to bring successful researchers together from across disciplines to work toward innovative solutions that support healthy and successful aging. The Center provides an environment in which cross-disciplinary research can take place and innovative ideas can more easily flourish.

In addition to research activities, part of the mission of the Center is to offer evidence-based outreach services. Please visit the Aging Clinic of the Rockies website to learn more about neuropsychological testing and counseling services for older adults and their families.

The Center reports to the Vice President for Research and a board represented by the deans of the Colleges of Health and Human Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.