On November 11, 2024, the Department of Health Promotion and Nutrition Sciences (HPNS) in collaboration with the CUNY Institute for Health Equity (CIHE) hosted Lehman College’s inaugural Symposium on Healthy Aging.

 “The symposium provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and foster new partnerships that can lead to meaningful progress in knowledge building and care practices in aging,” said Justine McGovern, chair of the Department of Health Promotion and Nutrition Sciences.

The event brought together Bronx-based community partners and international experts to discuss key issues affecting late-life wellbeing. Participants from diverse fields—including public policy, nursing, social work, health equity, gerontology, and more—engaged in presentations and discussions on topics like aging veterans, AI and aging, innovations in long term care, transnational caregiving, and cognitive impairment in under-served communities.

“By working together, we can ensure that aging populations, especially those in underserved communities, are supported with the care and resources they need,” added McGovern.

The symposium also spotlighted ongoing efforts by the College to create an undergraduate interdisciplinary minor in Aging, a master’s degree in Aging, and interdisciplinary and international research collaborations. These initiatives aim to strengthen aging inclusivity across education, research, practice, and policy, while connecting academic programs with CIHE and community partners.