Welcome

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.

Contact Us

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

About Us

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.

Highlights


Dr. Pérez Raifaisen Appointed Director


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.

Scholar Highlight: Dr. Eduardo Cabrero


As a Research Scholar, Dr. Eduardo Cabrero leverages his clinical background (MBBS) and graduate training in Health Care Management and Policy (MSc and Ph.D.) to conduct research in aging and cognitive health. His research integrates large-scale national survey data, including from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), to address critical issues related to cognitive impairment, cognitive decline, and dementia. He collaborates with Dr. Brian Downer.


News from the Sealy Center on Aging

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Dr. Downer Presents in Northwestern Pepper Center Rounds Feb 21

February 13, 2025, 09:56 AM by SCOA

Dr. Downer will present, "Climate, Environment, and Vulnerable Populations: Natural Disasters and their Effects on Nursing Home Residents," in Pepper Center Rounds hosted by Northwestern Pepper Center on February 21, 2025 at noon. Register in advance for the Zoom meeting.

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Study Tests Physical Rehabilitation for Older Patients with Acute Heart Failure

February 13, 2025, 08:32 AM by SCOA

The “Physical Rehabilitation for Older Patients with Acute Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (REHAB-HFpEF)” trial at UTMB is being conducted with qualified patients admitted to UTMB Clear Lake or Galveston hospitals.This study examines whether a new type of physical rehabilitation can help improve health outcomes for patients with heart failure.

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SCOA Holds Successful Research Retreat

February 7, 2025, 12:18 PM by SCOA

The Sealy Center on Aging hosted an aging retreat on February 5, 2025 at Open Gates. Leaders from across the university were invited to attend. The goal of the retreat was to set priorities for research, discover new opportunities for collaboration, and highlight the exceptional work that has been done throughout the history of the center. Thanks to all attendees.

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Follow us on BlueSky!

February 4, 2025, 11:07 AM by SCOA

Join the Sealy Center on Aging on BlueSky to connect with us 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!

New Video: Deciding How Human Viruses Shape Aging

February 4, 2025, 10:51 AM by SCOA

A video is now available online for the Special Lecture on February 3, 2025, "Deciding How Human Viruses Shape Aging," presented by Michael J. Corley, MA, PhD Assistant Professor, Tenure Track Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases Weill Cornell Medicine. Visit the SCOA website to view the video.

Special Lecture Feb 3: Deciding How Human Viruses Shape Aging

January 30, 2025, 11:17 AM by SCOA

Join us for a special lecture hosted by the Sealy Center on Aging on February 3rd at noon. Dr. Michael J. Corley, MA, PhD, from the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases at Weill Cornell Medicine, will present 'Deciding How Human Viruses Shape Aging.' This event will be held in a hybrid format, in RSH 6.100 and on Zoom.

Associated ProgramsSupported in part by the Sealy Center on Aging

Last updated October 2024 • RMG