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Welcome
The Pepper Center at UTMB:
Continuously Funded Since 2000

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The UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) is the home of a diverse multidisciplinary team of investigators with complementary research interests. The Center supports investigators, research, and expertise in gerontology to accomplish the OAIC mission: To Improve Physical Function and Independence in Older Adults.


Current Events

Productivity Metrics

  • Publications (2000-2022): over 740
  • Scholars Trained (2000-2022): 33
  • External projects currently supported: 33

Contact Us

University of Texas Medical Branch
Sealy Center on Aging (SCoA)
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
Directions and Maps
Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: aging.research@utmb.edu


Featured News

Volunteers Needed for Bed Rest Study

May 2, 2023, 09:48 AM by SCOA

BRASS (Bed Rest in Accelerated Sarcopenia Study)

Study Explores the Implications of Physical Inactivity in the Aging Population

We are recruiting people aged 60-85 with Type 2 Diabetes, not taking insulin. You will be compensated. Interested? Contact Paula Skinkis at (409) 772-1907 or pskinkis@utmb.edu. Download flyer:  https://utmb.us/8mh

Physical inactivity, such as bed rest, is one of the major causes of Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass in older adults. While bed rest may be effective to comfort from an illness or condition, it is also one of the major causes of strength and functional decline in seniors, increasing the risk of falls, fractures, and inability to perform daily activities without aid.

The purpose of the study is to identify the causes that accelerate the loss of muscle mass and function with short-term bed rest, a time frame that is modeled after what some may experience during a short hospitalization. This study seeks individuals, ages 60-85 years old with Type 2 Diabetes, not taking insulin. They are asked to attend 2 outpatient clinic visits and one 7-day in-clinic admission where 5 of those days will require complete bed rest.

  Learn more about the BRASS Study


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301 University Blvd. Galveston, TX 77555-0177 | p 409.747.0008 | f 409.772.8931
The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center Award #P30-AG024832 is funded by
the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.