Reimagining Healthy Aging: What Matters to You?An Interview Study at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health)
At The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health), we’re exploring what it really means to age well—from your perspective. We're looking for people ages 20 and up to take part in a new research study focused on how people of all ages think about health, aging, and the future of care.
You’ll have the chance to share your personal experiences, ideas, and hopes in a one-on-one interview or small group conversation—with no medical tests or treatments involved.
Choose your age group below to learn how your voice can shape the future of healthy aging.
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Age 20–39: Young Adults Shaping the Future
You might not think of yourself as “aging” yet—but your thoughts and choices now are already shaping your future. We want to hear how you think about health, getting older, and the tools or technologies you hope will support you later in life.
Why your input matters: Your generation is redefining wellness, work-life balance, and what it means to grow older. By sharing your perspective, you’ll help researchers design healthcare and aging solutions that reflect your values and expectations.
What to expect:
- A relaxed one-on-one interview (~1 hour) or a small group conversation
- Meet online or in person
- Participate in English or Spanish
- Get paid for your time
- No medical tests or exams
- Stop anytime—your participation is always voluntary and confidential
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Age 40–64: Midlife Voices Matter
In midlife, many of us are managing work, family, caregiving, or our own health. You’ve got insight and experience that healthcare researchers can learn from. We want to know how you're thinking about staying well as you age and what support systems or innovations you believe will help in the years ahead.
Why your input matters: You’re at a pivotal stage in life—often juggling multiple roles. Your voice can help guide policies and solutions that serve real people, not just ideal models. Let’s make sure the future of aging reflects real life.
What to expect:
- A one-hour interview or small group discussion
- In person or virtual options
- Confidential, voluntary participation
- English and Spanish sessions available
- Paid compensation—no tests or treatments
- Your voice will shape more inclusive research
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Age 65+: Real Wisdom, Real Impact
Are you 65 or older? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences about aging in a new research study at UTMB Health. This study is about understanding how older adults like you feel about aging, staying healthy, and new medical and technological ideas aimed at helping people age well.
We want to hear your perspective—not just what doctors and scientists think, but how real people experience growing older. Whether you're living with a health condition or not, your input can help researchers create better, more respectful healthcare solutions that match your needs and values.
What You’ll Do
- Talk with a friendly researcher in a one-on-one interview (about an hour), or
- Join a small group discussion with other older adults
- Participate in person or online
Why Join?
- Safe and easy—No medical tests or treatments involved
- Everything you share is confidential and voluntary
- You can stop at any time
- Participate in English or Spanish
- Participants will be compensated
By participating, you’ll help guide the future of aging research—making sure it reflects the real experiences and voices of older adults, especially from communities who are often left out. Your story can help shape how healthcare and science support people as they age.
Ready to share your story and shape the future of aging? Interested or want to learn more? Contact us today. We’d love to hear from you!
Alberto Aparicio, PhD, is the Principal Investigator of this study. This project is supported by the Pepper Center and School of Public and Population Health at UTMB Health.
Contact Us
Alberto Aparicio, PhD
(English and Spanish)
Phone: (617) 447-0892
Email: alaparic@utmb.edu