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. Ayala-Copete


Dr. Ayala-Copete is a Colombian physician and specialist in geriatric medicine from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia. She has been part of the Neuroscience and Aging Research Group (Semillero de Neurociencias y Envejecimiento) since 2015 at her alma matter, where she began her journey as a young researcher under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Cano. Her research mainly focuses on people living with dementia, cognitive decline, and aging-related conditions. Ana aims to contribute to a better understanding of the needs of a growing older adult population and become an agent of change for improving older adults’ health throughout the Americas.

Events


July 22:
DMAC CERCIT Seminar - Corey Simon, PhD and Rebecca North, PhD
July 23:
Pepper Investigators Lecture - Andrew Murton, PhD
August 18:
OBIOS Open House

News from the Sealy Center on Aging

Dr. Raji with medical staff and postdoc Dr. Copete

Dr. Ana Ayala-Copete Completes WHO/PAHO Fellowship at Sealy Center on Aging

July 2, 2025, 11:55 AM by SCOA

The Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB Health recently hosted Dr. Ana Ayala-Copete as part of its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). From February through June 2025, Dr. Ayala-Copete participated in a fellowship that advanced her research on aging and supported international efforts to improve the health of older populations.

Ana Ayala Copete Invited to Speak at III Javerian Congress on Geriatrics in Bogotá

July 2, 2025, 11:49 AM by SCOA

Dr. Ana Ayala Copete, WHO/PAHO scholar has been invited to participate as a speaker at the upcoming III Javerian Congress on Geriatrics: Work Summit on Ageing and Health, scheduled for August 28–29, 2025, at the Alfonso Quintana Auditorium of the Pontifical Xavierian University in Bogotá, Colombia.

Sealy Center on Aging Welcomes New Director, Dr. Melissa Morrow

July 1, 2025, 10:50 AM by SCOA

UTMB Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Melissa (Missy) Morrow as Director of the Sealy Center on Aging. A renowned rehabilitation scientist and expert in aging and disability research, Dr. Morrow brings deep experience in translational science, biomechanics, and health technology. She currently serves as Co-Director of the NIA-funded Pepper Center at UTMB and will lead the center’s involvement in the new $5 million Healthy Aging and Technology (Age-Tech) Initiative. We thank Dr. Alan Landay for his exceptional service as interim director and look forward to the center’s continued growth under Dr. Morrow’s leadership.

group of three older adults, outdoors

Reimagining Healthy Aging: What Matters to You?

June 30, 2025, 14:50 PM by SCOA

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.

Lawmakers made wise health care investments during recent session

June 23, 2025, 15:49 PM by SCOA

In a guest column for the Daily News, Dr. Jochen Reiser, president of UTMB and CEO of the UTMB Health System, wrote about the recently ended 89th Legislative Session in Austin and some of UTMB’s legislative wins. “At the University of Texas Medical Branch, we are thankful for these investments, both for the legislature’s vote of confidence for our Healthy Aging and Technology Initiative within our institution, and the broader establishment of the research institute, to fund competitive and thoughtful grants, for the betterment of all Texans,” Reiser writes.

photo of woman

Pepper Investigators Lecture Features Dr. Milani

June 20, 2025, 14:05 PM by SCOA

Please join us for the next Pepper Investigators Lecture: "Pain and cognition among older adults across contexts," presented by Sadaf Milani, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public and Population Health on June 25, 2025 at noon in RSH 6.100 and via Teams. Lunch provided for those in person.

Catching Cognitive Decline Sooner

June 17, 2025, 07:00 AM by SCOA

When Dr. Yong-Fang Kuo analyzed Medicare data from more than 2 million older adults, the results revealed a striking pattern: those who received annual wellness visits were significantly more likely to receive early diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment—catching memory problems before they progressed to full dementia.

UTMB Launches Innovative Center for Health and Clinical Outcomes Research

June 16, 2025, 12:59 PM by SCOA

Led by Dr. Neil K. Mehta, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology and associate dean for research for the School of Public and Population Health, the new center aims to become a nationally recognized leader in outcomes research by leveraging UTMB's exceptional data infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise. As a university-wide center, it will create new opportunities for collaboration between clinical and research enterprises across UTMB.

Associated ProgramsSupported in part by the Sealy Center on Aging

Social MediaFrom the Sealy Center on Aging


BlueSky

Hello world! We are excited to connect with you here 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 🤜🤛

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— Sealy Center on Aging (@utmbscoa.bsky.social) January 31, 2025 at 10:29 AM