‘Southampton Dialogues’ Event Explores How an Aging Population Can Live Its Best Life

From left: Stony Brook Medicine Executive Vice President William Wertheim, MD with the three panelists from 'Healthy Aging: Living Your Best Life' - Jeannette R. Mahoney, Elinor Randi Schoenfeld and Helena M. Blumen.

Researchers and experts from Stony Brook Medicine led a conversation aimed at helping people maintain independence and well-being as they age in "Healthy Aging: Living Your Best Life," the second event in the Stony Brook Southampton Dialogues series.

Led by Stony Brook Medicine Executive Vice President William Wertheim, MD, the dialogue took place June 5 at Chancellors Hall at Stony Brook Southampton. Speakers shared practical insights on what people can do today to stay healthy, as well as emerging innovations that support lifelong wellness. The event was free and open to the public.

Community members enjoyed an engaging afternoon focused on the latest research, innovations, and resources that support health, wellness, and independence as we age. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with members of the Stony Brook Medicine team through health screenings, informational tables and an up-close look at Stony Brook Medicine's new Mobile Stroke Unit, showcasing some of the innovative services and expert care available to the local community.

"Conversations, like the one happening today, are furthering our commitment to educate our community in things that matter to them, particularly around medicine," said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith, who provided opening remarks. "We're bringing our experts to you, and you're about to hear from an amazing group of experts, sharing their discoveries and insights, including how our brains transform over time, the importance of staying active throughout our lives, and how researchers are combining innovative technology with preventive care that can help all of our community members lead healthy and fulfilling lives."

From left: Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Chief Medical Officer Rich Stumacher, William Wertheim, Chief Executive Officer Carol Gomes, and Chief Administrative Officer Emily Mastaler.

"Across the nation, and especially here on Long Island, we are witnessing significant demographic changes as our population ages. We're living longer than ever before, which is great, but that creates both opportunities and challenges for healthcare systems, researchers, families and communities," said Wertheim. "That reality makes today's discussion particularly relevant. How do we best help people remain healthy, independent, connected and engaged as they age?"

Wertheim led the discussion with three Stony Brook Medicine colleagues that highlighted research and practical strategies that can help individuals maintain their health as they grow older, beginning with Helena M. Blumen, professor and vice chair of research, Department of Neurology and director of the Social, Cognitive and Physical Functions in Aging Lab in the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM). Blumen, a nationally recognized cognitive neuroscientist, presented on dementia prevention and social connection.

Jeannette R. Mahoney, professor and chief, Division of Cognitive and Sensorimotor Aging and director of the Sensorimotor Integration in Aging Lab, spoke about understanding the intersection of sensory, cognitive and motor function in older adults. The final presentation on building a home for the future as people age in place was given by Elinor Randi Schoenfeld, research professor and vice chair of research in the Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine in the RSOM. The panel ended with questions from the audience.

The information tables on hand included those providing health screenings (BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol); breast cancer awareness information from the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center; cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation; stroke awareness and prevention; clinical nutrition (Food Is Medicine) and injury and fall prevention.

The Stony Brook Southampton Dialogues series began with "A Conversation with President Andrea Goldsmith and SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr." on April 11, part of Inauguration Week. The dialogues support Stony Brook as a vibrant space for intellectual and cultural engagement across the dimensions of education and lifelong learning, research, healthcare and service. Two more dialogues are planned for July 14 and August 28.