GERONTOLOGY NEWS FROM UMASS BOSTON
July 2023
Page from SCAN Foundation chartbook, "Care Preferences Matter," summarizing research findings
Inequities persist in how well older adults feel heard by their healthcare providers
Recent data from researchers at the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston show that nearly three-fourths of Americans aged 50 and older feel that healthcare providers consider their care preferences. But stark racial and socioeconomic inequities persist. 
Webinar panelists (from left) Tyler Compton, staff attorney at Pension Action Center (moderator); Yanely Espinal, author of Mind Your Money and a Marketplace host; and Jean-Pierre Aubry, director of research at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.
Pension Action Center hosts public-sector retirement planning webinar July 12
State employees are encouraged to join a free community webinar on Wednesday, July 12 at noon (EST) to hear about budgeting, pensions, managing debt, and the effects of racial and gender inequities on personal finances and financial planning.

The webinar is hosted by the Gerontology Institute's Pension Action Center and the Boston chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and co-sponsored by the Trotter Institute at UMass Boston.
Aging Studies undergrad program offers new online minor open to all UMass Boston majors
A surge in student interest in undergraduate classes on aging has led the UMass Boston Department of Gerontology to create a minor in Aging Studies. “As the population ages, an understanding of the challenges—and the potential—of an aging society will only become more important across basically every field and profession,” says Jeffrey Stokes, PhD, assistant professor of gerontology and director of the undergraduate program. “It is truly impossible to consider a career in healthcare, finance, politics, management, or any other field without grappling with our changing demographics."
STANDING ROOM ONLY FOR SENIOR CENTERS
Ceara Somerville, a gerontology doctoral candidate and senior research associate at the Gerontology Institute's Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging, presents on rebranding senior centers, a popular session at the National Council on Aging's "Age & Action" conference in June 2023 in Arlington, Virginia.
Elisabeth Stam honored for work in NYC
New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright has honored UMass Boston gerontology doctoral student Elisabeth Stam with a New York State Assembly 2023 Woman of Distinction Award. Seawright, who represents the 76th District of Manhattan (Upper East Side, Yorkville, and Roosevelt Island neighborhoods), recognized Stam’s contributions as a gerontology researcher and social worker to improving the well-being of older New Yorkers. Stam is a lifelong resident of New York City.

Stam was one of 16 women honored at the ninth annual Women of Distinction Awards celebration in May 2023.
UMASS BOSTON GERONTOLOGY IN THE NEWS

"Retiring without millions in the bank? It can be done easily," MarketWatch cites Elder Index average cost of living figures, June 26, 2023.

"Elder Index shows a high cost of living for seniors," an Eagle-Tribune columnist cites recent Elder Index data in discussing options for older Massachusetts residents on fixed incomes, June 26, 2023.

"How LGNTQ+ older adults are aging," National Council on Aging writes about recent research from the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston, June 22, 2023.

"What if you can't afford long-term care?" ABC News looks at LTSS Center study finding that 8 in 10 older adults can't afford long-term care, June 13, 2023.