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The Science Behind Living Your Best Life is an 11-part workshop series created through a collaboration between the Stony Brook Center for Healthy Aging (part of Stony Brook Medicine) and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Stony Brook University.

Developed for OLLI members, the series brings together leading researchers and clinicians to explore topics spanning fall prevention, brain and joint health, nutrition, and mental well-being. These interactive sessions translate cutting-edge research into practical strategies for everyday life, empowering participants to stay active, informed, and connected.

Sessions are held on Tuesdays from 3:30–4:45 pm in the Student Union Auditorium.

Why Attend?

  • Learn directly from Stony Brook's experts
  • Gain tools to support physical, mental, and social well-being
  • Connect with a community of lifelong learners
  • Explore strategies to age successfully and independently

From Research to Real Life

Whether you're curious about how social engagement supports cognitive health or how new tools can detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease, each session highlights the latest scientific discoveries alongside actionable insights you can use every day.

Fall 2025 Workshop Schedule
Date Title Presenter(s)
9/9/2025 Exercising Your Brain and Your Body Chris Christodoulou, PhD
9/16/2025 Practical Tips for Aging Successfully (Nutrition, Exercise, Vaccines) Suzanne Fields, MD
9/23/2025 Aging in Place Brenda Janotha, EdD, DNP-DCC, ANP-BC, FNP-C, FAANP
9/30/2025 Creating a Partnership With Your Healthcare Provider Elinor Schoenfeld, MS, PhD
10/7/2025 Staying Engaged in the Community Helena Blumen, PhD; Chava Pollak, PhD, RN
10/14/2025 The Heart-Brain Connection Andreas Kalogeropoulos, MD, MPH, PhD
10/21/2025 Smartphones and Steps: How Gait Can Reveal Your Health Lisa M. Muratori, PT, EdD
10/28/2025 New Tests for Mild Cognitive Impairment & Alzheimer's Disease Nikhil Palekar, MD
11/4/2025 A Window of Opportunity for Therapeutic Intervention in Women Maricedes Acosta-Martinez, PhD
11/11/2025 What Imaging Tells Us About the (Aging) Brain Naftali Raz, PhD
11/18/2025 Stay Strong, Stay Steady: Preventing Falls Through Home & Health Jeannette Mahoney, PhD; Kristi Lyn Ladowski, MPH; Brittany Gambini, MS, OTR/L

Researchers and Clinicians

Maricedes Acosta-Martinez
Maricedes Acosta-Martinez, PhD
Assistant Professor
Physiology and Biophysics
Expertise in neuroendocrine regulation, signal transduction pathways, metabolic control, with current focus on Alzheimer's disease.
Helena Blumen
Helena Blumen, PhD
Professor and Vice Chair of Research
Neurology
Studies brain, gait, cognitive decline, social connection, loneliness, Alzheimer's disease, and directs the Blumen Aging Lab.
Chris Christodoulou
Chris Christodoulou, PhD
Assistant Professor
Psychiatry & Behavioral Health and Neurology
Neuropsychologist specializing in evaluations and Alzheimer's care guidance.
Christine DeLorenzo
Christine DeLorenzo, PhD
Co-Interim Director, CHA. Professor
Psychiatry & Behavioral Health and Biomedical Engineering
Ensures accurate imaging quantification for brain aging, dementia, and age-related diseases.
Suzanne Fields
Suzanne Fields, MD
Co-Interim Director, CHA. Oberleder Professor of Geriatric Medicine; Chief, Division of General, Geriatric & Hospital Medicine
Geriatric Medicine
Leads a 100-member division caring for older patients across diverse settings.
Brittany Gambini
Brittany Gambini, MS, OTR/L
Falls Prevention Coordinator/Community Health Educator
Division of General, Geriatric & Hospital Medicine
Specializes in falls prevention coordination and community health education.
Brenda Janotha
Brenda Janotha, EdD, DNP-DCC, ANP-BC, FNP-C, FAANP
Clinical Associate Professor, Associate Dean
Nursing
Dual-certified Nurse Practitioner, Associate Dean, and national contributor to NP practice standards.
Andreas Kalogeropoulos
Andreas Kalogeropoulos, MD, MPH, PhD
Associate Professor
Cardiology
Clinical researcher in cardiovascular medicine, specializing in heart failure and echocardiography.
Kristi Lyn Ladowski
Kristi Lyn Ladowski, MPH
Associate Director, Injury Prevention & Outreach
Stony Brook Trauma Center
Focuses on evidence-based fall prevention and program implementation.
Jeannette Mahoney
Jeannette Mahoney, PhD
Professor, Chief, Division of Cognitive and Sensorimotor Aging
Neurology
Research in multisensory integration, mobility, falls, and preclinical Alzheimer's.
Lisa Muratori
Lisa Muratori, PT, EdD
Professor
Physical Therapy
Research includes cognitive-motor interference, visual-motor coordination, and postural control in healthy and clinical populations.
Nikhil J. Palekar
Nikhil J. Palekar, MD
Medical Director, Center of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease; Associate Professor
Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Expert in Alzheimer's and geriatric psychiatry.
Chava Pollak
Chava Pollak, PhD, RN
Research Assistant Professor
Neurology
Nurse scientist focused on social connections, cognition, and dementia prevention.
Naftali Raz
Naftali Raz, PhD
Professor
Psychology
Researches brain aging, cognitive performance, and individual differences in older adults.
Elinor Schoenfeld
Elinor Schoenfeld, MS, PhD
Research Professor
Family, Population & Preventive Medicine
Epidemiologist with 40+ years of community-engaged research, clinical trials, and AI-driven aging studies.

About the Center for Healthy Aging

The Stony Brook Center for Healthy Aging (CHA) unites leading researchers and clinicians focused on enhancing the health and wellness of people as they age.

The goal of CHA is to promote healthy aging and extend both physical and mental well-being through innovative research solutions. Stony Brook is a leader in aging research, with $23 million in collective funding from the NIH, NSF, and other sources. Paired with one of the country’s largest academic geriatric practices, an Age-Friendly Health System, and the Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, Stony Brook is optimally positioned to improve understanding and treatment of age-related conditions.

Initially funded by the Stony Brook University Presidential Innovation and Excellence Fund, CHA fits into the missions of patient care, education, research, and community service. CHA coordinates aging research across campus, fosters collaboration between researchers and geriatricians, and transforms care for aging populations in Suffolk County and beyond.

Have questions about the program? Contact the Center for Healthy Aging at 631-216-9362.