The Community Connection at the Sealy Center on AgingStay Connected. Stay Engaged. Stay Inspired.

Welcome

At the Sealy Center on Aging, we believe that growing older should mean growing stronger, through knowledge, community, and meaningful opportunities. That’s why we created the Community Connection, a program designed to keep older adults in Galveston County informed, engaged, and empowered.

Launched in 2022, the Community Connection has more than 1,300 subscribers who receive our quarterly newsletter by email or traditional mail. Each issue is filled with valuable updates, including:

Spotlights on groundbreaking aging research at UTMB Health
Invitations to participate in clinical studies that can improve health and wellbeing for older adults everywhere
Local events and programs tailored to seniors in our community
Volunteer opportunities, such as AmeriCorps Seniors, where you can give back and stay active

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The Community Connection is more than a newsletter! It’s a way to stay plugged into the latest discoveries, connect with people who share your interests, and find new ways to stay involved in your local community.

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Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA)
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
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Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: aging.research@utmb.edu

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We're Growing, Together!

Thanks to strong community partnerships and outreach, the Community Connection is expanding every day. Whether you hear about us through a senior center, social media, or a postcard at an event, the invitation is the same: be part of a growing network of older adults shaping the future of aging in Galveston County.

Sign up for the Community Connection newsletter and become part of a vibrant community of older adults making a difference.
Follow and engage with us on Facebook, where we share news and resources as well as event announcements that are relevant to local older adults.
Learn more about getting involved with AmeriCorps Seniors.
Visit the Learning Center, now located at the Osher Long Life Institute at UTMB Health.

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Current Studies

News from the Sealy Center on Aging

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Leveraging Social Needs Assessments to Eliminate Barriers to Diabetes Self-Management in a Vulnerable Population

Aug 6, 2025, 07:00 AM by SCOA

Congratulations to Dr. Hani Serag and Dr. Hanaa Sallam on their new publication, "Leveraging Social Needs Assessments to Eliminate Barriers to Diabetes Self-Management in a Vulnerable Population."

This study looked at the challenges faced by people with diabetes who receive care at St. Vincent’s House Clinic in Galveston, Texas, a place that serves many patients who don’t have a lot of resources. The goal was to understand what non-medical issues, like financial or emotional stress, might make it harder for them to manage their diabetes.

Researchers talked to 59 people in the program and asked about things like money problems, mental health, and access to other support. Most didn’t have health insurance, and many said they needed help with things like getting food, paying utility bills, and accessing occupational therapy.

By learning about these struggles, the team was able to connect participants with community resources that could help. This kind of information can help improve how diabetes education and support programs are delivered, especially for people facing tough life circumstances. Ultimately, the hope is that by addressing both medical and social needs, people will have better health outcomes and fewer diabetes-related complications.

Learn more about Patient Education Programs (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.

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