Volunteers are sought for a Wayne State University research project that will study whether educational training in later adulthood can improve thinking and problem solving.

The study will determine if older adults who have this type of training remain healthier, more emotionally positive and function more easily in daily activities such as managing finances, taking medication, using the telephone or driving.

Wayne State's Institute of Gerontology is one of six sites around the country taking part in the National Institutes of Health-funded ACTIVE (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent Vital Elderly) study. The project's long-term goal is to reduce the need for formal care, hospitalization and substantial loss of independence in the older population. People over 65 account for almost half of all days of care in short-stay hospitals and constitute the majority of residents of nursing homes.

Research participants must be at least 65 years old and live in the metro Detroit area. Participants will be financially compensated for their time and travel and receive free health assessments such as blood pressure and vision tests. The program will last for about two years and participants will be asked to return every eight months. Total time commitment over two years will range from 14 to 29 hours and personal information collected from participants will be kept confidential.

The study will be conducted at the university's Oakland Center campus, 33737 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. For more details on the program, or to participate, call Audrey Anthony at (313) 873-2750 or (313) 577-2297.