Dr. Poon has research programs which are directed towards several major issues in gerontology. His primary research area funded by NIMH and NIA since 1988 is focused on survival and longevity of the oldest old, the Georgia Centenarian Study. The current NIA-funded program project focuses on genetics, neuropathology, functional capacity, and successful adaptation of centenarians. Faculty researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows from nine universities participate in this program project. He also directs in the last 12 years the 7-country International Centenarian Consortium which collaborates on cross cultural studies.
His other current research interests focus on public health and older adults as well as a HRSA-funded Geriatric Education Center in partnership with the Emory University Geriatric Medicine and the Armstrong Atlantic State University College of Health Professions. This project is charged to elevate geriatric education for health professionals throughout the state of Georgia .
