Heesoo Roh

During my undergraduate studies in exercise rehabilitation and social work in South Korea, I had the opportunity to complete a short-term training program at a senior welfare facility. While working at a daycare center with elderly individuals with dementia, I developed a strong interest in gerontology. This experience sparked my curiosity about how research in exercise science contributes to improving the quality of life for older adults. My interest in gerontology grew from that point, and when my master’s studies led me to focus on exercise psychology, I discovered that Purdue University offered a dual-title PhD program in gerontology. That realization motivated me to pursue gerontology more seriously.

The best experience for me has been attending the GSA (Gerontological Society of America) conference. Because gerontology is inherently a multi-disciplinary field, the conference provided an incredible opportunity to explore a broad spectrum of academic knowledge and research trends across various disciplines. It allowed me to gain insights into the latest research questions being explored in different fields. Additionally, I really enjoyed attending the luncheon with CALC alumni. It was a great opportunity to network with former students and share experiences and memories about Purdue, both from their time and from the current students’ perspectives.

My advisor is Dr. Steve Amireault, and one of my committee members from the CALC faculty is Prof. Elliot Friedman. Steve has been an incredible mentor, especially during times when I felt lost in my research. He would send me relevant papers to help me find direction and has provided unwavering mental support. Navigating life in the U.S. for the first time came with many challenges, and he always shared his experiences and offered invaluable advice. I’m truly grateful for him! This semester, I’m also taking a class with Prof. Friedman. His extensive knowledge across multiple disciplines has been instrumental in expanding my research perspective and deepening my academic understanding.

There is no single factor that defines motivation for exercise from a psychological perspective. However, it is clear that as people age, some become more engaged in physical activity, while others lose interest entirely. I became curious about why these differences exist and how we can encourage and sustain physical activity among those who are not naturally inclined toward it. While exploring these questions, I came across the concept of "Purpose in Life." I discovered that, across the life course, this concept not only plays a significant role in physical activity engagement but also has profound effects on overall health. This realization has shaped my research interests and will likely continue to influence my future work.

Gerontology is not just about studying aging as an endpoint—it’s about understanding the entire lifespan and how early-life experiences, behaviors, and environments shape later life. Sometimes, people assume that gerontology is only relevant to those working directly with older adults, but in reality, the factors influencing aging begin long before old age. I believe it’s important to remind ourselves that our research in gerontology can contribute to broader discussions on health, motivation, and well-being across all stages of life. Keeping this perspective in mind allows us to collaborate across disciplines and develop more holistic approaches to improving quality of life at every age.

Even though I study gerontology, I believe that research in other fields is just as important. Gerontology isn’t just about studying older adults—it’s about understanding the entire lifespan. In that sense, even those who are not directly involved in gerontology will likely find connections between their research and gerontology at some point. I hope all researchers, regardless of their field, continue to pursue their work with passion!