Media advisory: CSU experts available to discuss variety of topics surrounding healthy aging

Getting old is better than the alternative, but the question is: How much of an impact will the inevitable process of aging have? 

Colorado State University researchers are paving the way in furthering the understanding of how to navigate both the physical and social impacts of aging, as well as to serve the growing community of older adults in the state as well as across the nation. 

The following experts are available for interviews to discuss all facets of healthy aging. Interested reporters can contact a member of the CSU communications team at news@colostate.edu. 

Deana Davalos (Department of Psychology), Sara LoTemplio (Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources) and Francisco R. Ortega (Department of Computer Science)
Davalos, LoTemplio and Ortega are researching the effects of nature exposure on older populations, and are specifically exploring whether virtual reality can have the same health benefits as actual time in the outdoors. 

Nicole Ehrhart, director of the Center for Healthy Aging
Ehrhart is one of CSU’s foremost experts on translational medicine and brings an interdisciplinary approach to expanding the human “health span,” otherwise known as the period in which disease does not impact the quality of life.

Christine Fruhauf, professor and director of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies Extension Programs and Initiatives
Fruhauf is the director of the Promoting Healthy Aging and Families Research Laboratory in the CSU College of Health and Human Sciences. She also works collaboratively with researchers and CSU Extension agents to engage with community partners to promote healthy aging and families.  

Natalie Pennington, assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies
Pennington has researched social factors related to the use of communication technology, including wearable health trackers. She can discuss the use of technology as it relates to well-being at different points in one’s life. Pennington also more broadly studies social connection opportunities with an emphasis on friendship as a way to promote social health and wellness across the lifespan.

Sue Schneider, CSU Extension professor and state health specialist
Schneider leads CSU Extension’s health initiatives, with a focus on healthy aging. She is also adjunct faculty with the Colorado School of Public Health and a medical anthropologist. 

Sarah Walker, assistant professor in the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
Walker’s research in environmental social science involves exploring and measuring the human well-being impacts of various environmental problems and interventions, as well as the health and well-being effects of nature immersion.