Our collaborating center fosters research to improve the health of older populations by training scholars with a cross-cultural, multidisciplinary perspective and by establishing collaborations with institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
UTMB Sealy Center on Aging World Health Organization Collaborating Centre in Aging and Health
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
Directions and Maps
Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: pahowho.aging@utmb.edu
As a designated World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, we support the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) through the implementation of research and clinical training in public health, geriatrics, and gerontology, following the organization’s guidelines and responding to its needs. Our experts provide technical guidance to PAHO/WHO Member States using population data, best-practice tools, and research collaborations. As one of the few centers focused on aging and geriatrics in the Region of the Americas, we stand out for our emphasis on Latin American and population-based research. With our center's recent redesignation, we continue contributing to the global efforts under the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030) strategy.
We are pleased to announce that Norma A. Pérez Raifaisen, MD, DrPH, CPC, will serve as Director of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Collaborating Center on Aging and Health at the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging, effective May 1. Dr. Pérez Raifaisen is Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, John Sealy School of Medicine and PI, Center of Excellence for Professional Advancement and Research.
Dr. Ayala-Copete is a Colombian physician and specialist in geriatric medicine from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia. She has been part of the Neuroscience and Aging Research Group (Semillero de Neurociencias y Envejecimiento) since 2015 at her alma matter, where she began her journey as a young researcher under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Cano. Her research mainly focuses on people living with dementia, cognitive decline, and aging-related conditions. Ana aims to contribute to a better understanding of the needs of a growing older adult population and become an agent of change for improving older adults’ health throughout the Americas.
A new study by Dr. Goodwin, Dr. Xu and colleagues finds that lifting federal visitation restrictions in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to a significant increase in resident infection rates. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 nursing homes across 27 states using a difference-in-differences framework, comparing COVID-19 infection rates before and after the federal policy change on September 17, 2020. Results showed that infection trends in nursing homes largely followed patterns in their surrounding communities, with no statistically significant change linked to the end of the visitation ban.
.jpg?sfvrsn=8393d755_1 "Patient Education Program (PEP)")
Are you an adult age 60+? Do you want to take control of your health and live an active, fulfilling life? Look no further – The Patient Education Programs (PEP) are here to support you! Interested? Visit www.utmb.edu/diabetes or contact cdprogram@utmb.edu.
“Standard lab assays don’t capture the physical forces acting on blood inside constricted arteries,” UTMB Health’s Dr. Misbahud Din tells Dawn. The publication featured Din and Pepper Center Scholar Dr. Yunfeng Chen and their research into how physicians assess a patient’s risk of arterial blood clots.
A KFF Health News story on safety issues in rehab hospitals highlighted research by Dr. Chih-Ying Li, an aging research expert at UTMB Health. Her 2017 study found that for-profit rehab facilities were the only type linked to higher 30-day unplanned hospital readmissions among Medicare patients. Li noted the differences weren’t large, but the finding was consistent.
We are proud to announce that Dr. Abbey B. Berenson, MD, PhD, MMS, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement in Research Award, one of the highest honors presented through UTMB’s Faculty Excellence and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Please join us for the next Pepper Investigators Lecture: "Stronger for Longer: The Interplay Between Lifestyle, Muscle Metabolism, and Successful Aging," presented by Andrew Murton, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery on July 23, 2025 at noon in RSH 6.100 and via Teams. Lunch provided for those in person.
Elizabeth Huber recently joined the Sealy Center on Aging as a Senior Business Coordinator and will primarily be working with Lexi, Oscar, and Dr. Morrow on project coordination and ensuring smooth operations across the team. Elizabeth has been with UTMB for 13 years, most recently serving as a Medical Staff Interpreter. In that role, she supported a wide range of specialties and enjoyed building relationships with faculty and patients alike. She especially valued witnessing the professional growth of residents and the dynamic, behind-the-scenes nature of the work. Please join us in welcoming Elizabeth to the Sealy Center on Aging!
UTMB Health Pepper Center Pilot awardee and Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy Chih-Ying "Cynthia" Li, PhD, OTR has been named a fellow of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM). The Fellow of ACRM designation recognizes active members with an outstanding record of professional service to ACRM who have also made contributions of national significance to the field of medical rehabilitation. Congratulations, Dr. Li!
Hello world! We are excited to connect with you here about aging research from UTMB Health, including funding, new grants, researcher highlights, important findings, and more. Students, trainees, and early career researchers are invited to follow us for announcements and opportunities 🤜🤛
— Sealy Center on Aging (@utmbscoa.bsky.social) January 31, 2025 at 10:29 AM
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