The Indiana University Center for Aging Research (IUCAR) has created the Gero-Informatics Operation at the Center for Aging Research, or GOCAR to provide support for gero-informatics research and development.

Gero-informatics is the study and application of medical informatics in caring for older adults. It is a valuable and explicit part of medical informatics. Through the strengths and association of IUCAR and the Regenstrief Institute, gero-informatics has emerged as a core theme of the Center's geriatric health services research activities.

IUCAR and the Regenstrief Institute have demonstrated achievements in gero-informatics and have a large amount of ongoing work in the field. We recognize the important role of information systems in addressing the special needs of older adults, including issues such as coordination of care, disability, mental illness, social isolation, polypharmacy, sensory impairment, and end of life.

By fostering gero-informatics commitment, organization, collaboration, and resources, GOCAR enables IUCAR scientists to advance their investigations leading to innovative strategies to improve the quality of health care and self-care for older adults.

Within geriatric health services research, IUCAR has three highly integrated research foci:

•  Gero-Informatics research on the
   study and application of medical
   informatics in caring for older adults,
•  Aging Brain research on late life
   depression, dementia and delirium, &
•  Health Promotion research on self-
   care, lifestyle, and prevention.