UTMB Sealy Center on Aging

The Moody Longevity Trial: Can a Medication for Weight Loss Help You Age Better? A New Research Study at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) for Adults Ages 55–70

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is FDA-approved for weight loss—but could it also slow aging and improve your energy, mobility, and brain health? We are enrolling adults 55–70 for a study testing if tirzepatide (Zepbound)—a weight-loss medication—can also slow biological aging. Get compensated. Help us shape the future of healthy aging.

Interested? Contact the UTMB Clinical Research Center at (409) 772-1218.

Learn more:

Moody Longevity Trial - Tirzepatide to Slow Biological Aging The Moody Longevity Trial - Volunteer to participate in research at the Sealy Center on Aging at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston

SCOA Celebrates Centenarian Eslen Brown Love with Special Thanks for her Volunteerism

The Sealy Center on Aging extends heartfelt birthday wishes and congratulations to Eslen Brown Love, who will reach the magnificent milestone centenarian age of 100 years, on June 24, 2026!

Eslen’s family moved from Thibodeaux, Louisiana to Galveston Island in 1929, when she was just three years old. Now, as a 97-year Galvestonian, she is the proud and loving matriarch to multiple generations of family members who were Galveston-born and raised.

After lovingly and steadfastly serving as the long-term care provider to her husband, Henry, who passed away in 1992, Eslen wanted to fill her time with purposeful work, to which she could lend her gift and abilities toward being of help to others. She joined the AmeriCorps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in 2006, motivated simply by her heart’s desire to continue helping those in need. When asked about her volunteerism, she expressed feeling particularly fulfilled with knowing that her extension of Christ-like compassion may have made a difference in the lives of the vulnerable.

Her grand-daughter, Adrienne, shares “My grand-mother, Eslen, has enthusiastically dedicated her life to meaningful, community-driven servitude, advocacy, and outreach for the underserved and underprivileged of all ages – living in service to others by way of her faith and spiritual principles. She's also been an active and integral part of many unsung grassroots initiatives on the island - all birthed from recognizing the need, and stepping in to mitigate, with purpose and intention.”

In recognition of her tireless efforts and perpetual service over the years, Eslen was nominated for the Alfreda Houston (Houston’s Heroes) Community Service Award. Additionally, she was awarded the Thomas S. Mackey Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with Prevent Blindness Texas; the Booker T. Washington Ex's African-American Image Award, recognizing her educational advocacy and championship; and the Nia Cultural Center’s Distinguished Elder award, as she was still moving in the spirit of service, even in her late 80's!

The Sealy Center for Aging sincerely thanks Ms. Love for over 6 years of volunteerism, and for the ways in which her commitment to servitude enriched our programming and extended our reach within the community.

Thanks to Ms. Love's granddaughter Adrienne Kegler for providing this news for the Sealy Center on Aging and RSVP Volunteer Program - Galveston COunty.

💜 Caregiver Connection Support Group Zoom/Phone Meeting
Friday, June 26 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm

The Caregiver Connection is a support group for family members and friends of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. It provides a safe, welcoming place to ask questions, learn about caregiving, and gain tips for caregiver self-care.

Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 12:00 – 1:00 pm.

📌 2nd Friday: Hybrid meeting (in-person at OLLI @ UTMB, 1200 Market St., Galveston, or Zoom/phone)
📌 4th Friday: Zoom/phone only

The Friday, June 26 meeting will be held via hybrid/Zoom/phone.

Register here:
https://alz-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/vLlld1nXSo6X6k-6jeaL_A

Or call the Alzheimer’s Association HelpLine at 800-272-3900

First-time attendees: Please complete all registration fields and email Alice Williams in advance at [email protected]

Returning attendees: Sign in with your name, email, zip code, and email preference.

After registering, check your email for your link to join the meeting.

Patient Education Programs (PEP)
Are you an adult age 60+? Do you want to take control of your health and live an active, fulfilling life? Look no further – The Patient Education Programs (PEP) are here to support you!

Interested? Visit www.utmb.edu/diabetes or contact [email protected].

Home Check Your Risk For DiabetesJoin a ProgramClinical Services What Is Prediabetes?EspañolProgram News Overview of Diabetes Programs by Dr. Hanaa Sallam.Interview by i45Now (Twitter, YouTube, Instagram). UTMB Diabetes program has received Certificate of CDC Full Recognition. 

Grow your career with UTMB! Join us on Thursday, June 25, to explore our exciting career opportunities and the benefits available to you as a member of our patient care team.

🗓️ Thursday, June 25
⏰ 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
📍 UTMB Galveston Campus - William C. Levin Hall Dining Room

🔗 Visit utmb.jobs for additional information and to RSVP.

Free and Open to the Public | OLLI Membership not required
Visit: https://utmb.us/fye to register.

Balance4Mobility: Are you at least 55 years old and have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy that is causing problems with your walking and balance?

You may be eligible to enroll in a study that will test to see if the Walkasins®, a low-profile device you wear on your lower leg, can help you keep your balance better and walk better. Participants will be compensated for their time.

Interested? Contact Mariel McConville, MPH at (409) 632-7964 or [email protected].

Gregory Brusola, DPT, PhD, PT, MSCS is the the Principal Investigator of this study.

Learn more:

Balance4Mobility Peripheral Neuropathy and Walking Study Join the Balance4Mobility Peripheral Neuropathy and Walking Study - Volunteer to participate in research at the Sealy Center on Aging at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston

🌞 Staying Safe in Hot Weather 🌞
The first day of summer is here, bringing longer days and higher temperatures. While it’s a great time to enjoy the season, it’s important for older adults to take extra care in the heat.

Watch for these signs of hyperthermia:

-Dizziness
-Muscle cramps
-Swelling in your ankles and feet
-Nausea and weakness
-Rapid pulse

If you notice these symptoms, cool down right away and seek help if needed.

Tips to prevent hot-weather illness:
💧 Drink plenty of liquids
☕ Limit caffeine and alcohol
👕 Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothes
🏠 If it’s too hot outside, try exercising indoors

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check in on friends and loved ones. Let’s enjoy a safe and healthy summer! ☀️

https://www.nia.nih.gov/hot-weather-safety

Improving Sleep in Midlife Women

Trouble sleeping? Join our study to improve sleep and health for women in midlife

Women 45-65, are you having trouble sleeping? UTMB Health is studying simple diet and sleep tips to improve rest and health in midlife. Eligible participants may receive compensation.

Interested? Contact (409) 772-1907 or [email protected].

Learn more:

Improving Sleep in Midlife Women Improving Sleep in Midlife Women - Volunteer to participate in research at the Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB in Galveston

Are you at least 55 years old and have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy that is causing problems with your walking and balance? You may be eligible to enroll in a study that will test to see if the Walkasins®, a low-profile device you wear on your lower leg, can help you keep your balance better and walk better. Participants will be compensated for their time. Contact Mariel McConville, MPH at (409) 632-7964 or [email protected]. Learn more about this study: https://utmb.us/f7f