Kenneth Ferraro
- Distinguished Professor of Sociology
Office and Contact
Room: STON 335
Email: ferraro@purdue.edu
Pillars of Interdisciplinary Research Excellence
Enhancing Biological and Physical Function in Later Life; Preserving Cognitive Function; Social Contexts and Policy for Optimal Aging
Enhancing Biological and Physical Function in Later Life; Preserving Cognitive Function; Social Contexts and Policy for Optimal Aging
Education
PhD University of Akron Sociology 1981
PhD University of Akron Sociology 1981
Research Interests
Life course inequality, minority health, obesity and health, religion and health
Life course inequality, minority health, obesity and health, religion and health
Teaching Interests
Health and aging, medical sociology, longitudinal data analysis, minority health
Health and aging, medical sociology, longitudinal data analysis, minority health
Selected Publications
Bauldry, Shawn, Patricia A. Thomas, Madison R. Sauerteig-Rolston, and Kenneth F. Ferraro. 2024. "Educational Inequalities in Dual-Function Life Expectancy." Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences 79(7):gbae072(1-7).
Ferraro, Kenneth F. and Bing Han. 2025. “Does Cognitive Capital Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline in Later Life?” Innovation in Aging 9(11):1-11.
Ferraro, Kenneth F., Madison R. Sauerteig-Rolston, Shawn Bauldry, and Patricia A. Thomas. 2025. “Disparities in the Life Course Origins of Dual Functionality.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior 66(3):393-409.
Friedman, Elliot M., Patricia A. Thomas, Madison R. Sauerteig-Rolston, Lisa L. Barnes, and Kenneth F. Ferraro. 2025. “Sustained Purpose in Life is Associated with Slower Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis with a Diverse National Sample.” Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences 80(6):gbaf021 (1-8).
Nemeth, Samuel R., Patricia A. Thomas, Cassidy M. Stoddart, and Kenneth F. Ferraro. 2025. “Racial and Ethnic Differences in Community Belonging and its Impact on Cognitive Function in Older Adults.” Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences 80(6):gbaf028 (1-8).
Sauerteig-Rolston, Madison R., Lisa L. Barnes, Patricia A Thomas, Jacqueline L. Angel, and Kenneth F. Ferraro. 2025. "Religious Involvement and Cognitive Function among White, Black, and Hispanic Older Adults." Research on Aging 47(2):116-127. 152.
Zhang, Wencheng, Mallory J. Bell, Madison R. Sauerteig-Rolston, and Kenneth F. Ferraro. 2025. “Early-life Maternal Relationship Quality and Cognitive Function in Later Life: Mediating Role of Social Resources?” Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences 80(7):gbaf104 (1-9).
Thomas, Patricia A., Elizabeth Teas, Elliot Friedman, Lisa L. Barnes, Madison R. Sauerteig-Rolston, and Kenneth F. Ferraro. 2026. "Early-Life Parental Affection, Social Relationships in Adulthood, and Later-Life Cognitive Function.” Journal of Aging and Health 38(1-2):19-30.
Thomas, Patricia A., Elizabeth Teas, Elliot Friedman, Lisa L. Barnes, Madison R. Sauerteig-Rolston, and Kenneth F. Ferraro. 2026. "Early-Life Parental Affection, Social Relationships in Adulthood, and Later-Life Cognitive Function.” Journal of Aging and Health 38(1-2):19-30.
Ren, Jinnan, and Kenneth F. Ferraro. Forthcoming. “Polyvictimization, Social Relationship Quality, and Depressive Symptoms in Later Life.” The Gerontologist.
Sauerteig-Rolston, Madison R., Patricia A. Thomas, Shawn Bauldry, Elizabeth Richards, and Kenneth F. Ferraro. Forthcoming. “Are Relationship Patterns between Parents and Adult Children Associated with ADL Disability Risk in Later Life?” Journal of Aging and Health.