GALVESTON, TEXAS – A specialized research center at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
that helps older adults has received a $6.3 million renewal of its grant from the National Institute on Aging. The
Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at UTMB has been continually funded since 2000.
The center focuses on understanding how aging leads to loss of strength and function, and translating these findings
into new treatments to optimize functional recovery from illness in older populations. Through the ongoing work of
the center, a number of strategies have been developed and tested in clinical trials to accelerate the functional
recovery of seniors in UTMB’s hospitals and clinics.
“We are thrilled this renewal will allow us to continue the important work of helping older patients as they
deal with some of the challenges of aging,” said Dr. Elena Volpi, director of the Sealy Center on Aging and
principal investigator of the UTMB Pepper Center.
The center is home to a diverse, multidisciplinary team of researchers with complementary research interests, working
to improve physical function and independence in older adults.
The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers Program was established in honor of the late Florida
Senator, Claude D. Pepper, to create centers of excellence in geriatrics research and research career development to
increase scientific knowledge on better ways to maintain or restore independence in older persons.
UTMB is one of 13 Pepper Centers located throughout the United States.