Bowling Green State University
Optimal Aging Institute
The Optimal Aging Institute (OAI) at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) was strategically developed in 2016 with a five-year commitment of financial support from Medical Mutual of Ohio. The primary purpose of the OAI is to mobilize university and community resources to support and expand programs, services, and research focusing on optimal aging (e.g., the ability to live at the highest potential that is possible). The OAI is recognized as the regional incubator for innovative programming and applied research tailored for older adults by strategically mobilizing university and community resources. A current collaborative research endeavour is the development of evidence-based opioid prevention education programs for older adults and the identification of services needed for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren because of the opioid crisis. Through this initiative, the OAI will provide learning opportunities and educational materials for service providers, health systems, corporations, caregivers, and older adults.