Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research
Professor, School of Social Work
egreenf@ssw.rutgers.edu, (848) 932-5877
Emily A. Greenfield is a Professor in the Rutgers School of Social Work (PhD, Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2007). Her research addresses how social relationships hinder and heighten individuals’ optimal development across the life course. Dr. Greenfield’s current research addresses how relationships outside of the family influence older adults’ ability to remain in their own homes and communities with a high quality of life, as well as how community programs can strengthen these relationships. This research has included a national, organizational survey of Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Supportive Service Programs (NORC programs) and Villages; an in-depth qualitative interview study of older adults who live in NORC program service areas in New York City; and an upcoming project on aging in place and public housing in Bergen County, New Jersey. Dr. Greenfield also analyzes data from large U.S. national surveys to advance understanding of how a range of social-relational factors–such as histories of childhood abuse, volunteering in the second half of life, and adult family relationships–influence individuals’ health and well-being. For more information, see www.emilyagreenfield.com
