The National Institute on Aging has renewed funding for the UTMB Health Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) with a five-year, $6.5 million award, continuing support through August 2030. Since 2000, the Center has advanced research and training focused on improving independence for older adults living with chronic disabling conditions. Building on more than two decades of accomplishments—including training 41 scholars and publishing over 860 studies—the next funding cycle will emphasize reducing health disparities, expanding research on lifelong disabilities, increasing participation of underserved populations, and developing technology-enabled interventions. Through its interdisciplinary team and integrated research and education cores, the UTMB Health OAIC will continue to lead innovation in aging science and prepare the next generation of researchers dedicated to enhancing the health and independence of older adults.

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.

As we close out 2025, the Sealy Center on Aging celebrates a year of major milestones in research, education, and community engagement. Highlights include the successful renewal of our P30 Pepper Center, launch of the $5M Texas Age-Tech Initiative, continued growth of our training programs, and expanded outreach through health education, social media, and the Stories of Aging series. We also welcomed new team members and are looking ahead to an exciting 2026 with new programs, events, and research focused on improving the lives of older adults. Read more in this greeting from our Director.

Stories of Aging is a student-led oral history and portrait series supported by the Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB. In the second interview of the series, Rose Daniels, 83-year-old Galveston child advocate and community mentor, speaks with medical student Julián Escalante.