Balfour Senior Living and University of Colorado Anschutz Launch Research Living Lab to Transform Aging Care
Balfour Senior Living and the University of Colorado Anschutz have partnered to create a living lab research community that integrates academic studies directly into senior living environments, representing a significant advancement in how aging research is conducted and applied.
The collaboration between Balfour Senior Living, a Kisco collection, and the University of Colorado Anschutz Multidisciplinary Center on Aging has established a research community living lab at the Balfour Louisville campus. This innovative approach merges CU Anschutz's research expertise with Balfour's senior care experience to create an interactive environment where academic studies directly engage older adults in their residential settings.
Dr. Cari Levy, Head in the division of Geriatrics at CU Anschutz, described the initiative as transformative for aging and healthcare approaches. The partnership creates a collaborative space where research and real-life experiences converge to drive innovation in senior care.
The living lab offers residents multiple participation opportunities, including involvement in various research studies and advisory roles. Current research focuses on hearing and hypertension, neurophysiology related to walking, and developing more efficient methods for nursing staff to support skilled nursing residents. Residents serving on the advisory board help evaluate research programs to ensure alignment with community needs and values.
Resident Mary Stamp expressed enthusiasm about the program's educational benefits and long-term impact. Jean Bedell highlighted the program's value in providing older adults with purpose and meaningful input into research affecting their lives.
The partnership advances senior care innovation by fostering empathy, strengthening engagement, and equipping associates with improved tools to support residents and families. Michael Sell, business development director at Balfour Senior Living, emphasized that the collaboration extends their mission of providing exceptional care by integrating cutting-edge research and empowering residents to shape future healthcare approaches.
This living lab model represents a significant shift in aging research methodology, moving studies from traditional laboratory settings into authentic residential environments. The approach promises more relevant and immediately applicable research outcomes that directly benefit both current residents and future generations of older adults.