UMass Boston

Author Jennifer M McGivney

Gerontology as a Team Sport: Innovations in Aging Forum Shows the Power of Collaboration

The Innovations in Aging Forum invited special guests from the Gerontological Society of America to learn about the work being done by the Gerontology Department and the Gerontology Institute, as well as their partners.

A Journal Continues Its Examination of the Pandemic’s Effects on Older Adults

The third special issue of the Journal of Aging & Social Policy addressing COVID has been published, nearly five years after its first COVID issue. “Putting these 25 articles together in one volume will hopefully further draw attention to the work around COVID and its impacts globally, particularly for older adults,” says Edward Alan Miller, Ph.D., JASP editor-in-chief.

From “Elder” to “Aging”: How a State Agency Made a Shift to Age-Friendly Terminology

Gov. Maura Healey signed legislation that approved changing the name of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence.

“The name change is a signal of the investment that the state has made in terms of eroding ageism, specifically in the way that we communicate about aging,” says Caitlin Coyle, Ph.D., director of the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging, part of the Gerontology Institute. “That is a huge and very public-facing action that signals that change is happening.”

The Gerontology Institute Welcomes Dr. Michelle Putnam as Director

The Gerontology Institute at UMass Boston welcomes Dr. Michelle Putnam as its new director, beginning January 27, 2025.

“I love the Gerontology Institute. It’s such a storied institution and important place,” Putnam says. “It’s a privilege for me to serve as the director of one of the first institutes solely focused on gerontological research in the United States.”

Jan Mutchler to Retire as Director of the Gerontology Institute

During a tenure that saw record-breaking fundraising and strengthened connections, Mutchler created significant impact for the Institute. On January 25, 2025, Jan Mutchler will retire as the director of the Gerontology Institute and as professor of gerontology at University of… Continue Reading →

OLLI’s Winter Welcome: A Free Introduction to a Learning Community

OLLI at UMass Boston begins a new winter session, inviting Boston-area residents to try the program, free of charge.

“We’re not just an organization, but we’re a lifelong learning community,” says director James Hermelbracht. “It’s an amazing experience that allows folks to continue their lifelong learning journey.”

A New Study Hopes to Draw Connections Between Medicaid Payment-to-Cost Ratios and Nursing Home Quality Outcomes

Last fall, a report by UMass Boston researchers showed that Medicaid reimbursements fall short of covering the actual costs of nursing home care for Medicaid residents. That research will now go a step further and try to examine how closely Medicaid payment-to-cost ratios affect outcomes in nursing homes.

Pension Action Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary

On November 19, 2024, people gathered at the University of Massachusetts Club to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pension Action Center, a center within the Gerontology Institute at UMass Boston. Current staff, previous directors, board members, and friends of… Continue Reading →

Research Points to the Need for More Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces

How can workplaces support employees with caregiver-friendly policies? And which policies would be most helpful to caregivers? Pamela Nadash, Ph.D. has researched matters of family caregiving and shares ideas that could help employers and employees alike.

UMass Boston Gerontology Makes a Strong Showing at GSA 2024

“UMass Boston Gerontology made an indelible mark at this year’s annual meeting, one of the largest ever,” said Dr. Edward A. Miller

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