The Sealy Center on Aging is an independent, multidisciplinary unit of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). We bring together a wide range of scholars with expertise in research, education, and clinical care in aging. Our research findings are implemented in hospitals and clinics, which improve health and bring excellence and visibility to our health care system. We are supported by endowment funds from the Sealy and Smith Foundation and other grants.
The Sealy Center on Aging aims to improve the health and well-being of older adults through interdisciplinary research, education, and community outreach. We fulfill our mission by integrating the resources and activities relevant to aging at UTMB.
Our members are comprised of faculty members from across UTMB schools and institutes. Membership is by appointment, based on faculty members’ research interests and scholarly work on aging.
The Sealy Center on Aging was created in 1995 to promote research in aging, improve education in aging, and support community outreach under the leadership of Dr. James S. Goodwin, George, and Cynthia Mitchell Distinguished Chair of Geriatric Medicine. Milestones include:
2000: The UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center is funded. The Pepper Center is housed in the Sealy Center on Aging and has since been refunded through 2025.
2001: A comprehensive internal review identifies the Center as one of the top aging research programs in the country.
2005: The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization designates UTMB as a Collaborating Center on Aging and Health.
2014: Dr. Elena Volpi becomes Director. She directs the Center until 2023.
2022: The Center’s external funding for aging research grows to almost $30 million.
2023: Dr. Rebeca Wong becomes Director ad interim.