Aging Care and Outcomes for Older Adults
About Aging Care and Outcomes for Older Adults Research
Faculty in this signature area are committed to transforming care for older adults by advancing research that improves health outcomes, enhances quality of life, and supports equitable, person-centered care for older adults. Their work addresses the complex needs of aging populations and their caregivers through innovation, systems redesign, and a deep understanding of the biological, social, and environmental factors that shape aging experiences.
Research in this area spans hospital, community, home, and long-term care settings, with a focus on optimizing healthspan and reducing disparities in aging outcomes. Representative areas of inquiry include:
- Designing and evaluating innovative health care systems to support health, promote independence, and enhance quality of life for older adults;
- Innovating care delivery and health outcomes for older adults across the care spectrum;
- Investigating ways to address the holistic needs of informal caregivers;
- Developing research-based clinical, organizational, community, and policy solutions to meet the needs of older adults;
- Exploring the impact of social and structural determinants on aging and end-of-life experiences.
Explore faculty profiles to learn more about specific research interests and studies in this area.
Signature Research Areas
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Aging Care and Outcomes for Older Adults
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Community Engagement and Partnerships
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Health and Well-Being of Children and Families
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Health Equity and Social Justice
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Health Systems: Data Science, Design, and Implementation Science
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Mental, Psychosocial, and Behavioral Health and Well-Being
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Symptom Science and Supportive Care
Research on Aging Care and Outcomes for Older Adults
Research News
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Dr. Kristin Merss Awarded Grant to Study Incarcerated Older Adults
Dr. Kristin Merss was awarded a 2026 Emerging Researchers Pilot Grant to support the study, “Characterizing and describing intra-prison transitions of older adults in prison.”
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Dr. Megan Zuelsdorff’s Work on Healthy Aging Featured on WPR
Megan Zuelsdorff, PhD, was recently featured in an article from Wisconsin Public Radio about attempts to promote healthy aging in Wisconsin.
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Dr. Wan-chin Kuo Receives Grant to Study Exercise Forecasting and Motivation Strategies for Truckers
Wan-chin Kuo, PhD, RN, was awarded a Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety Education and Research Center award to support the project: Defy The Odds: Exercise Forecasting and Motivation Strategies for…
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Driving Toward Heart-Healthy Change
Dr. Wan-Chin Kuo investigates social determinants of health to improve truck drivers’ well-being.
Resources from Researchers
The Center for Aging Research and Education (CARE) supports discoveries that improve aging and build the skills and capacity of those who care for older adults.
MOVIN is an evidence-based hospital mobility program centered on improving patient ambulation.