The “graying” of the population makes research into the determinants and effects of aging on health a priority. In collaboration with the Division of Geriatric Medicine aging research initiatives at UMass Chan aim to promote health, prevent functional decline, and improve quality of life among older adults.

Kate Lapane, PhD, Jen Tjia MD, and Tony Nunes are among the faculty who conduct studies of older adults.

PHS students involved in aging research have included Camilla Pimentel, MPH, who evaluated analgesic medication patterns among U.S. nursing home residents with cancer, and Alexandra Hajduk, MPH, who examined cognitive status as a predictor of secondary preventive lifestyle change in patients with acute coronary syndrome.