People living with serious mental health conditions (SMHC) are more likely to have long-term health issues at a younger age. While much is known about the health risks in this population, we don't understand as much about how aging affects everyday activities like walking up steps or bending over. This webinar will present results of a recent study which found that middle-aged adults with SMHC had physical functioning similar to that of much older people. Declining physical abilities can affect everyday life skills, independence, housing, work options, and personal goals. This presentation will discuss findings and over practical recommendations for interventions and policies.

Michelle R. Zechner, PhD, LSW, CPRP is an Associate Professor at Rutgers School of Health Professions in the Dept. of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. Her research focuses on multi-dimensional wellness interventions and inter-professional initiatives to improve health outcomes for people with mental health conditions. She develops multi-platform educational content for various workforce development initiatives and is passionate about mental health recovery and aging well for all people.

"Making Sense of S.I.L.V.E.R.* Research" is a webinar series, designed for everyone! It presents a recent, relevant research study in clear, understandable language, with time for you to ask questions. This presentation will discuss the needs of older adults who have serious mental health issues and the way that we're working to help them in their communities. We'll discuss a program we've developed to improve their health and social skills. We'll also look at the different ways we've tried to make this program work, what's been successful, and what hasn't. We'll talk about how the organizations involved and the resources in the community affect how well the program works and whether it can keep going in the long run. Nathaniel A. Dell, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. His research & interests include evaluating evidence-based practices for people with serious mental illnesses & co-occurring disorders; promoting the uptake of evidence-based, recovery-oriented psychosocial interventions; leveraging big data & data science approaches to identify the behavioral health needs of hidden and hard-to-reach populations, such as people experiencing homelessness. This event is supported by funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this project do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. *Supporting Individuals to Live as Vibrant Elders in Recovery