Three in four Virginia residents (73%) say that it is important for communities to plan for serving residents as they age. Source: 2008 Older Dominion Project Residents' Study
Partners
Partner Profiles
Name: Karen A. Roberto, Ph.D.
Title: Professor & Director, Center for Gerontology
Company/Organization: Virginia Tech
ODP Partner Since: December 2007
ODP Committee Affiliation: Shared Database Research
Summarize your professional background relevant to Age Wave preparedness.
Karen A. Roberto received her doctorate degree in 1984 from Texas Tech University. After 12 years as coordinator of the gerontology program at the University of Northern Colorado, she joined the Virginia Tech faculty as professor and director of the Center for Gerontology. In addition, she is adjunct research professor of Community Medicine and Geriatrics at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and currently serves as director of the University’s Institute for Society, Culture & Environment. Dr. Roberto’s research examines the intersection of health and social support in later life. She has received funding from a variety of federal and state organizations and private foundations in support of her research agenda. Her primary interests include older women's adaptation to life with chronic health conditions, family relationships and caregiving, health care decisions making, and elder mistreatment. She is the author of over 100 scholarly articles and book chapters and the editor or author of eight books.
What expertise or other strengths do you bring to the Older Dominion Partnership?
Dr. Roberto has constructed numerous study-specific structured telephone surveys, and in-person quantitative and qualitative interviews for use with community-based samples. Much of her research combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and often includes short and long‑term follow‑up interviews with study participants. Dr. Roberto has successfully managed over 20 empirical investigations and program evaluations, with the majority of her study samples ranging in size from 50 to over 2000 participants. Her research has resulted in not only a consistent stream of journal publications, but also in research briefs for legislators and community service planners.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues in Age Wave-preparedness in Virginia today?
Availability and access to quality acute and chronic health care.
What advice do you have for age wave planning in Virginia?
To be able to prepare, plan, and execute effective and successful programs for the aging population requires Virginia specific data!