FROM THE PRESIDENT

More than 100 years ago, research concluded that length of life was associated with genetic family makeup. In other words, maximum age was determined by ancestral length of life. But research has proven that in addition to genetics, successful aging is determined by individual lifestyle choices.

Today, there are now more members of the "senior set" than ever before. Due to amazing medical research and discoveries – many which take place here in the Texas Medical Center – people are living longer, healthier lives.

This issue of Texas Medical Center News spotlights some of the geriatric initiatives under way in Texas Medical Center institutions.

Baylor College of Medicine’s Huffington Center on Aging is home to one of the most advanced aging research programs in the country. Research areas include cellular and molecular biology of aging, cardiovascular diseases, and ethics and outcomes research. Researchers are trained through a training grant funded by the National Institute on Aging.

In 1986, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System was the first Texas health care corporation to implement senior programs and services. Today, Memorial Hermann promotes physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well being, all focused on enhancing quality of life. University Place, a 183-unit, certified, continuing care retirement community with an attached 60-bed nursing center, is owned and operated by Memorial Hermann, and was named one of the top retirement communities in the country by Money magazine.

In 1999, The Methodist Hospital was named among the country’s top centers for geriatrics by U.S. News & World Report, and with a No. 20 ranking, was the state’s top-rated geriatric service provider.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital is implementing a program developed at New York University called Nurses Improving Care of the Hospitalized Elderly. The program is designed to ensure that hospitalized senior citizens receive the ultimate in patient care services and are the beneficiaries of the most up-to-date geriatric knowledge available today.

The Aging Resource Support & Education Consultation Center, established in 1999, is supported by the Center on Aging at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The center provides a broad assortment of information, referrals, education, counseling, geriatric care management and support services for older adults and their families. It also combines individual and family services with caregiving assistance for those coping with aging issues.

Statistics show that in 2000, people over age 65 numbered 35 million, an increase of 3.7 million since 1990. That number is expected to grow to about 70 million by 2030. To ensure that the future of today’s seniors remains vital and vigorous, those in the 40- to 50-year-old age range should take proper measures to guarantee superior health in their 60s and beyond.

With advanced geriatric services like those available in the Texas Medical Center, the future health of seniors today and tomorrow is brighter than ever.

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/07_01_02/page_19.html