|
MacKay earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis University
in Waltham, Mass., and a Master of Arts degree in psychology from
Washington University in St. Louis. MacKay’s dissertation
research is based on using attention-control training paradigms
to enhance cognitive function in older adults.
“To study how we age, in my opinion, is to investigate the
interface of a complex learning system that is accruing information
over a lifetime while also negotiating life’s challenges,”
says MacKay. “I am honored and grateful to receive this
scholarship. It will allow me to complete my dissertation –
my doctoral research is the first step of a research plan that
aims to investigate the benefits of cognitive training in healthy
older adults – and further expand my understanding of the
relationships among age, cognition, and health.”
MacKay was selected as the Elderhostel K. Patricia Cross Doctoral
Research Grant winner by a committee consisting of Catherine A.
Hansman, former Chair of the Commission of Professors of Adult
Education and Associate Professor of Adult Learning & Development
at Cleveland State University; Sue C. Maes, Chair of the International
Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame; Douglas A. Kleiber,
Professor of Counseling & Human Development Services at the
University of Georgia; Harry R. Moody, Director of Academic Affairs
for AARP and former Chairman of the Elderhostel Board of Directors;
and K. Patricia Cross herself.
“Elderhostel was founded on the idea that learning is important
and enriching at every age,” says James Moses, president
and CEO of Elderhostel. “We are pleased to offer this year’s
grant to Anna MacKay as a researcher and contributor in the field
of later-life learning and healthy aging.”
Elderhostel, founded in 1975, is the world’s largest not-for-profit
educational travel organization for adults. Approximately 160,000
participants enroll in Elderhostel’s nearly 8,000 programs
annually. Elderhostel provides exceptional learning adventures
throughout the United States and Canada and in more than 90 countries
around the world. In 2004, Elderhostel launched Road Scholar to
meet the needs of a new generation of independent educational
travelers. For more information, please visit www.elderhostel.org
or www.roadscholar.org.
|