The Connected Aging Lab

Mission

The Connected Aging Lab is committed to advancing brain health and emotional well-being in older adults by developing inclusive, relationship-centered interventions that bridge science, clinical care, and community.

Research Goals

  • Design and evaluate behavioral health interventions – including both group-based activities and one-on-one formats – to reduce loneliness and build cognitive resilience among older adults with diverse cognitive abilities.
  • Examine psychosocial and biological pathways that link loneliness with cognitive decline in later life, using longitudinal designs and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) biomarker data.
  • Harness technology, such as smart home systems, mobile health applications, and conversational AI, to support social engagement and cognitive health, ensuring innovations are co-designed with communities.
  • Cultivate interdisciplinary partnerships across clinical, research, and community settings to promote inclusive, strengths-based models of care for individuals aging with memory loss and cognitive challenges.

Meet the Team

Learn more about The Connected Aging Lab team.

Meet us.

Publications

Dr. Yu's research has produced many published works.

See the list.