HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
“This designation reflects Hofstra’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where people of all ages can thrive.”
-Hofstra President Susan Poser
Hofstra University is honored to announce its designation as an Age-Friendly University (AFU), effective July 29, 2025. As the first university on Long Island to earn this distinction, Hofstra joins a distinguished global network of 130 Age-Friendly Universities across five continents and 36 U.S. states.
Read the News Story
About the Age Friendly University (AFU) Designation
Hofstra University’s international recognition as an Age-Friendly University (AFU) reflects its commitment to the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University, which promote lifelong learning, inclusive educational opportunities, intergenerational collaboration, and equitable access to campus resources for older adults. This designation underscores Hofstra’s longstanding dedication to embracing aging as a vital force in education, research, and community engagement. As Age Friendly Hofstra University, the institution is now officially part of the broader Age Friendly Ecosystem on Long Island and in the region, an ecosystem that includes higher education, the healthcare industry, the public health sector, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
Upcoming Events
Aging Café
TUE., APRIL 14
4 – 6:25 p.m.
Hofstra USA
Aging Café invites community members to sip, connect, and explore practical strategies for healthy aging. Through interactive stations and expert-led conversations, attendees learn about brain health, fall prevention, dementia risk reduction, safe driving, aging in place, and more.
Learn More About National Public Health Week at HofstraBuilding Brain Healthy Habits Starting Today
WED., APRIL 15
1 – 2:25 p.m.
Hofstra USA
Discover researched-based habits that support brain health at every age. This in-depth program explores practical strategies for healthy eating, physical activity, quality sleep, and cognitive engagement, and helps you create an action plan to build lasting brain-healthy routines.
Register to AttendPhotos from September 9, 2025 Age-Friendly University Event
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- Blumenfeld, H. K., Schroeder, S. R., Bobb, S. C., Freeman, M. R., & Marian, V. (2016). Auditory word recognition across the lifespan: Links between linguistic and nonlinguistic inhibitory control in bilinguals and monolinguals. Linguistic approaches to bilingualism, 6(1-2), 119–146. https://doi.org/10.1075/lab.14030.blu
- Schroeder, S. R., & Marian, V. (2012). A Bilingual Advantage for Episodic Memory in Older Adults. Journal of cognitive psychology (Hove, England), 24(5), 591–601. https://doi.org/10.1080/20445911.2012.669367
- Shuminsky, P. & Davidow, J.H. (in review). Perceived naturalness and acoustic characteristics of habitual versus clear speech for individuals with hearing loss. Manuscript submitted for review, Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research.
- Shuminsky, P., Martin, B.A., Behrman, A., Montano, J.J. (in revision). Acoustic changes following clear speech training. Manuscript in revision for publication, Journal of Acoustical Society of America.
- Shuminsky, P., “Acoustic Changes Following Clear Speech Intervention” (2021). CUNY Academic Works. https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/4507
- Shuminsky, P. (2024, October). Can Training in Clear Speech be Used to Improve Everyday Communication for Individuals with Hearing Loss? Faculty Research Day, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY.
- Shuminsky, P., Martin, B.A., Behrman, A., Montano, J.J., (2021, November). Acoustic Changes Following Clear Speech Intervention. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention, Washington, DC.
- Shuminsky, P. (2019, May). Current Trends and Issues in Auditory Rehabilitation and Auditory Training. New York Speech, Language and Hearing Association Conference, Albany, NY.
- Park, S., Fraser, M., Weber, L. M., Meeker, C., Bishop, L., Geller, D., Stein, J., & Ciocarlie, M. (2020). User-Driven Functional Movement Training With a Wearable Hand Robot After Stroke. IEEE transactions on neural systems and rehabilitation engineering : a publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 28(10), 2265–2275. https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSRE.2020.3021691
- Hsu, Y. P., & Pingale, V. (2022). Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals With Low Vision: Life Goes On. Topics in geriatric rehabilitation, 38(3), 240–244. https://doi.org/10.1097/TGR.0000000000000369
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- Elkis-Abuhoff, D. L., & Gaydos, M. (2018). Medical Art Therapy Research Moves Forward: A Review of Clay Manipulation With Parkinson’s Disease. Art Therapy, 35(2), 68–76. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2018.1483162
- Lee, H. & Park, S. (2022). A Qualitative Case Study of Reminiscence-Based Art Therapy for Alleviating Depression in an Older Adult with Mild Dementia. Korean Journal of Art Therapy, 29(3), 497–522.
- Lim, H. & Park, S. (2021). Research Trends Analysis for Adult Stress in Art Therapy: A Focus on Articles Published in Korean Academic Journals. Korean Journal of Art Therapy, 28(1), 249–270.
- Park, S. (2023). Art for Mental Health: Myths and Facts about Art Therapy. [Workshop for Older Adults]. Silver Academy in Arumdaun Presbyterian Church.
- Laghezza, A., & Johnson, K. (Manuscript in progress). Caring with Confidence: Reducing the Burden of Incontinence in Dementia.
- Laghezza, A., Evangelista, E., & DiZazzo-Miller, R. (in press). Mental health and older adults. In M. A. Pizzi (Ed.), Psychopathology, Function and Occupation: A Guide to Assessment, Intervention and Mental Health Promotion. Routledge.
- Hsu, Y. P., & Walters, M. (2024). Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Older Adults’ Routines and Well-being: 3 Case Reports. Gerontology & geriatric medicine, 10, 23337214241298326. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214241298326
- Karaye, I., Marium, A., Bhurosy, T., Yamousa, I., & Kyriacou, C. (November 7, 2022). Trends in Alzheimer’s Disease Mortality in the United States: 1999–2020: Widening Disparities by Race and Ethnicity. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Boston, MA.
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- Kyriacou, C., Coffield, E., Kausar, K., Gompath, S., & Hirsch, J. (manuscript in progress). Prevalence of College Caregivers in the United States.
- Kyriacou, C. & Dolgin, J. WiseWays: Support for Older Adults. Proposal to develop a student-led, elder law, elder care, elder advocacy traveling clinic in Nassau County libraries. Submitted July 30, 2025.
- Kyriacou, C. & Kuehn, J. (April 24, 2025). Age-Friendly Universities: The Hub for Thriving Age-Friendly Ecosystems. American Society on Aging Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
- Kyriacou, C., Markowitz, W., & Kuehn, J. (manuscript in progress). Bridging Generations and Campus-Community Connections Through a Lifelong Lecture Series.
- Kyriacou, C., & Rustici, C. (November 19, 2025). Cultivating Future Advocates: Training College Students to Become Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. Gerontological Society of America Annual Conference, Boston, MA.
- Kyriacou, C., & Rustici, C. (2025). Cultivating Future Advocates: Training College Students to Become Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. Innovation in Aging, 9(2).https://academic.oup.com/innovateage/article/9/Supplement_2/igaf122.1157/8412163
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- Karaye, I. M., & Kyriacou, C. M. (2024). HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in older adults. The lancet. Healthy longevity, 5(1), e2–e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00256-8
- Bosley, A. (2020). The rainbow in the silver tsunami: Caring for LGBTQ+ elders. [Workshop]. Nassau County Mental Health Association’s Virtual Community Trainings.
- Bosley, A. (2019). The rainbow in the silver tsunami: Caring for LGBTQ+ elders. Workshop. Nassau County’s 10th Annual Conference on Co-Occurring Disorders.
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- States, R. A., Dewan, B., Lynam, P., Mensah, N., & Pottorf, O. (2025). Group exercise for balance in people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Physiotherapy theory and practice, 41(4), 872–889. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2024.2374063
- States, Rebecca & Salem, Y. & Kyriacou, C.. (2025). Building University-based Wellness & Exercise Programs for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. 134. 107573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2025.107573
- States, R. A., Salem, Y., & Kyriacou, C. Wellness and Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease at Hofstra University (WE-PD at HU). 7/1/2024–6/30/2025. Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant.
- Laghezza, A. Occupational Therapy and Aging in Place: Review of Evidence and Up-to-Date Trends. Short Course. Gerontology Series, NYS Occupational Therapy Association, 2025.
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Lifelong Learning Lecture Series
Hofstra University Continuing Education
Ombudsman Training
Wellness & Exercise for Parkinson’s
Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
Annual Caregiver Summit
Dementia Risk Reduction Collaborative
National Public Health Week
Hofstra Cultural Center
Hofstra Museum of Art
Hofstra Theater and Performing Arts
Age-Friendly Glen Cove
Established in 2017 through the Glen Cove Senior Center, the Age-Friendly program strives to encourage policy and planning that enhance our City’s empathy and support of our aging population and in doing so, improves the quality of life for all generations. It is our goal to foster a community where people can continue to experience joy and fulfillment as they grow up and grow older!
Northwell Health
Northwell Health, New York State’s largest health system, has been officially certified as an Age-Friendly Employer for 2025-2027 by the Age-Friendly Institute, a national organization dedicated to promoting age-inclusive workforce practices.
New York State Office for the Aging
The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) works with a network of 59 Area Agencies on Aging and over 1,200 community partners to provide New York’s 4.8 million older adults with a range of community-based services and supports.
NYSOFA’s overall goal is to help older adults age in their community and avoid higher levels of care.
AARP Long Island
The Summer Academy provides a structured, high-impact experience that strengthens college readiness while exposing students to healthcare environments and behavioral health careers.
Alzheimer’s Association
From Nassau to Suffolk County, the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter is here to help.
We provide education and support, advocate for the needs and rights of those facing dementia, and advance critical research to develop new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Connect with the Long Island Chapter.
CABS Health Network
Since 2020, CABS Health Network (CABSHN) is the market brand for CABS Home Attendants Service Inc., a licensed home care service agency established in 1979 to provide home care services to elderly and disabled Brooklyn residents, New York.
Gurwin Healthcare System
Gurwin is a mission-based, non-profit healthcare organization dedicated to serving the needs of our residents. Our team is united by a desire to make a difference in the lives of older adults, and is imbued with a commitment to treat every resident as if they are their very own family member.
Parker Jewish Institute
Recognizing that many older adults can avoid institutionalization if they have the right support services, Parker developed an extensive network of community health care programs and services, including: home health care, and community/inpatient hospice, medical house calls and Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands.
Today’s Parker is well positioned to continue its leadership in patient care, teaching and research, on the wings of compassion, excellence and innovation.
The Bristal Assisted Living
Our team members strive to empower each resident, by honoring their stories, supporting their independence, and providing opportunities for lifelong learning and active aging. With thoughtfully designed accommodations across Long Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, and New Jersey, we invite residents to experience a lifestyle enriched by choice, warmth, and community.
Centerlight Healthcare PACE
The Summer Academy provides a structured, high-impact experience that strengthens college readiness while exposing students to healthcare environments and behavioral health careers.
Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University
The mission of The Long Island State Veterans Home is to provide high quality and compassionate health care services for veterans and their families without regard to race, gender, religion, disability, age or national origin. We will continually strive to advance our methods and standards of care through our teaching and research affiliation with Stony Brook University.
Harmony Healthcare Long Island
Harmony Healthcare Long Island (HHLI) is bringing a new kind of health services to the communities that need it most. We provide affordable, evidenced-based, quality health services to everyone in the neighborhood, regardless of insurance status or the ability to pay.
Health in Aging Foundation
HealthinAging.org is a trusted source for up-to-date information and advice on health and aging.
Through the Health in Aging Foundation, we advance a commitment to helping older adults and caregivers maintain health, independence, and quality of life. HealthinAging.org features education materials for older adults and caregivers, as well as information on finding a geriatrics healthcare professional in your area.
Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center
Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center promotes Jewish identity. We provide a comprehensive program based on Jewish values, traditions, heritage and culture and are committed to enriching the lives of all the individuals and families in our community.
Hempstead Housing Authority
Hempstead Housing Authority provides affordable housing in a safe and secure living environment for low- and moderate-income residents. The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) provides housing assistance to families in privately owned housing.



Andrea A. Ault-Brutus
Senior Assistant Dean of Communication and Advancement and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Population Health, School of Health Sciences
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Barbara A. Callahan
Senior Associate Dean, Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies and Instructor of Graduate Nursing
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Isma H. Chaudhry
Adjunct Associate Professor of Population Health, School of Health Sciences
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Edward Coffield
Associate Professor of Population Health, School of Health Sciences
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Susan M. DeMetropolis
Associate Professor of Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences, School of Health Sciences
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Janet L. Dolgin
The Jack and Freda Dicker Distinguished Professor in Health Care Law and Professor of Law, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
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Akilah N. Folami
Professor of Law, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
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Michaela Fraser
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences
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Yu-Pin Hsu
OT Program Director and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences
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Laurie Johnson
Professor Emerita of Counseling and Mental Health Professions, School of Health Sciences
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Jacklyn T. Kuehn
Senior Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Writing Studies and Rhetoric
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Corinne Kyriacou
Vice Dean for Administration and Associate Professor of Population Health, School of Health Sciences
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Alexandra E. Laghezza
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences
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Lawrence Levy
Associate Vice President and Executive Dean, The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University
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Elyse A. Miller
Director of Field Placement and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Counseling and Mental Health Professions, School of Health Sciences
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Andrea Nerlich
Professor of Counseling and Mental Health Professions, Chair, School of Health Sciences
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Debora A. Riccardi
Assistant Professor of Graduate Nursing, Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies
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Salvador Rojas-Murillo
Associate Professor of Engineering, Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Craig M. Rustici
The Dr. Mervin Livingston Schloss Distinguished Professor for the Study of Disabilities and Professor of English, HCLAS
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Holly J. Seirup
Professor of Counseling and Mental Health Professions, School of Health Sciences; Professor of Educational Leadership, School of Education
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Kirby Veevers
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Population Health, School of Health Sciences
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Chanda Washington
Associate to the President for Government and Community Relations, Office of the President
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Please Contact Hofstra’s Age-Friendly Co-Champions:
Dr. Corinne Kyriacou
Vice Dean and Associate Professor, School of Health Sciences
corinne.kyriacou@hofstra.edu
Dr. Jackie Kuehn
Senior Associate Dean and Adjunct Assistant Professor
School of Health Sciences
jacklyn.kuehn@hofstra.edu
Global Network of Age Friendly Universities
Prepare for a career where science, technology, and compassion come together to improve lives.
