The Healthy Generations Center at the School of Social Work leads with innovation in response to the changing nature of aging in our society. Contextualized within a  multigenerational perspective, the Center addresses health disparities and promotes well-being among underserved, vulnerable, and resilient older adults, families, caregivers and communities.

Founded in 2014 as a Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatric Social Work by The John A. Hartford Foundation, the Gerontological Society of America chose it to be one of five such centers nationwide. Launched under the direction of social work Professor Karen Fredriksen Goldsen, its other contributing faculty include Clara Berridge, Andrea Barry-Smith, CharlIe Hoy-Ellis, Hyun-Jun Kim, David La Fazia, Kaipeng Wang, Aida Wells, as well as others.

The Center works in collaboration with the UW Tacoma Social Work Program and other multidisciplinary and interprofessional partners, as it strives to strengthen health, longevity, and well-being through basic and applied research. In collaboration with community partners, the Center translates cutting edge research findings into practical, culturally-responsive interventions, training, and resources on aging and multigenerational care for use by students, practitioners, and policy makers.

Healthy Generations sponsors essential research and offers cornerstone programs such as the Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-week, evidence-based series that provides family and friend caregivers with knowledge, skills, and support they need to better care for themselves while they care for others. Additionally, the Center supports the ongoing speaker series, Innovations in Aging, which facilitates and showcases important information about the field of aging for students, practitioners, researchers, and the public.

For more information, visit the Healthy Generations website or email us at goldseninstitute@uw.edu. Or contact us through Powerful Tools for Caregivers webpage or phone at (206) 221-5514 or toll free: 1-800-558-8703.