Healthy Aging

According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in 2009 there were 39.6 million adults ages 65 and older. DHHS estimates by 2030, there will be around 72.1 million older adults. Health professionals throughout The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) are working to treat and diagnose conditions affecting the aging population. These clinicians and researchers are combining research, patient care and education to create the best hope for a healthier future.

View a list of UTHealth specialists available for interviews.

Consortium on Aging established at UTHealth

To meet the escalating patient care, research and healthcare education needs for a rapidly aging population, a university-wide Consortium on Aging has been established at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

"The Consortium on Aging allows us to leverage the strengths of our academic health center and our community collaborators to better serve Houston's older adults," said Carmel B. Dyer, M.D., professor and director of the Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine; vice-chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at the UTHealth Medical School; and director of the Consortium.

UT Physicians opens comprehensive health center for seniors

In response to the growing population of people over the age of 65 in the Houston area, UT Physicians has opened the UT Center for Healthy Aging. The center, located in Suite 130 at 6700 West Loop South, is a premiere health clinic dedicated solely to the well-being of older adults.

UTHealth School of Nursing to host conference on aging and abuse

“Preventing Abuse and Exploitation in an Aging America” will be the focus of the 24th Annual Joseph C., Sr. & Selenia E. Valley Conference on Aging from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the United Way Community Resources Center, 50 Waugh Drive.

Scientists working to develop vaccine for Parkinson’s disease

Nina Brown, 68, and millions of others with a debilitating neurological condition called Parkinson’s disease are counting on researchers for a cure. At The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), protein chemists are working to develop a therapeutic vaccine.

Three Things You
Can Do
to Promote
Brain Health

While there are still mysteries surrounding the fundamental process of memory, research has revealed activities that may enhance memory and promote overall brain health. John H. Byrne, Ph.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School, studies the neuronal and molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Continue reading for three tips he offers for maintaining and improving brain health.

UTHealth certificate program offers geriatric nursing training to local nurses

Houston registered nurse Sandra Thornton has 20 years of experience caring for patients and, like so many in her field, she didn’t have advanced training in the special needs of geriatric patients until recently.

Carmel B. Dyer, M.D., professor and director of the Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at UTHealth, confers with patient Alice Johns at the UT Center for Healthy Aging at Bellaire. Photo by Meredith Raine