Discover Our Mission and Impact at WISER

Here, you'll find detailed insights into our guiding principles and operational frameworks. Our mission is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of older adults through comprehensive research and active community engagement. Discover our vision for a future where every older adult is empowered and valued. Explore the origins of our project, our research methodologies, and learn how our core values shape everything we do. We also invite you to become a part of our journey and make a positive impact. Dive into each sublink to understand more about our goals, methods, and how you can contribute to making a difference.

Our Mission

Our Goal

WiSER's goal is to enhance the well-being and quality of life of older adults through evidence-based research and active community engagement. By focusing on improving health outcomes, we aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. One of our key initiatives, the 2024 Summer Team Impact Project at OSCAR, exemplifies our commitment to addressing critical issues in aging while fostering the next generation of researchers and leaders dedicated to making a difference.

Vision Statement

Our vision is a world where all older adults thrive, supported by research-driven solutions and engaged communities. WiSER's research strives to transform aging experiences by advancing knowledge, shaping policies, and empowering individuals and organizations to improve health and well-being. Through collaboration, innovation, and education, we envision a future where aging is met with dignity, opportunity, and meaningful social participation.

Core Values

Community Engagement – We believe in fostering meaningful connections between researchers, practitioners, and older adults to create inclusive and effective initiatives.
Lifelong Learning & Innovation – We embrace continuous learning and innovative approaches to address the evolving needs of aging populations.
Equity & Inclusion – We advocate for equitable access to resources and opportunities, ensuring that all older adults, regardless of background, can age with dignity and purpose.
Collaboration & Leadership Development – We cultivate the next generation of researchers and leaders, working together to drive positive change in aging policies and practices.
Empowerment & Advocacy – We elevate the voices of older adults, empowering them to shape policies, programs, and research that directly impact their lives.

Origins of Our Project

WiSER was founded on the belief by Dr. Li-Mei Chen, PhD, MSW that research should not only generate knowledge but also drive meaningful change in the lives of older adults. Recognizing the growing challenges faced by aging populations—including health disparities, social isolation, and access to quality care—Dr. Chen and her team set out to bridge the gap between research and community impact.

Our journey began with a shared commitment among scholars and advocates to apply evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults. This vision led to the development of initiatives like the 2024 Summer Team Impact Project at OSCAR, which serves as both a research-driven intervention and a platform for fostering the next generation of leaders in aging studies.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and active community engagement, WiSER continues to evolve, driven by the conviction that aging should be met with dignity, opportunity, and support. As we grow, we remain dedicated to transforming research into action, ensuring that older adults are not just subjects of study but active participants in shaping their own well-being.

Future Plans

At WiSER, we are committed to expanding our impact through innovative research, community partnerships, and leadership development in the field of aging. Looking ahead, we aim to:

Advance Research & Evidence-Based Solutions – We will continue conducting and disseminating high-quality research to address pressing issues in aging, such as cognitive health, social participation, and equitable access to care.
Expand Community Engagement – We plan to strengthen collaborations with local organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that our research translates into tangible benefits for older adults.
Grow the Summer Team Impact Project – Building on the success of our 2024 initiative at OSCAR, we aim to expand this model to other communities, providing more opportunities for hands-on research and service-learning experiences.
Advocate for Policy Change – We will work to bridge the gap between research and policy, advocating for evidence-based policies that promote the health, dignity, and inclusion of older adults.
Leverage Technology & Innovation – We seek to integrate new technologies, such as virtual reality and digital tools, into our research and training programs to enhance learning and engagement.
Secure Sustainable Funding & Partnerships – To ensure long-term impact, we will pursue funding opportunities and collaborations with academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry leaders who share our mission.

Wisdom in

Social・Civic Engagement and Research