Housed within the UNC School of Medicine, the Center for Aging and Health is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults. We do this through innovative education, meaningful research, and exceptional clinical care—work that benefits people across North Carolina and the country.
We partner closely with the Division of Geriatric Medicine to provide person‑centered care, support families and caregivers, and train the next generation of geriatricians.
But our impact doesn’t stop with physicians. Older adults deserve providers in every specialty who understand their unique needs. That’s why we also train dentists, pharmacists, cardiologists, oncologists, and many others in the best practices of geriatric medicine—grounded in research, shaped by patient priorities, and delivered with compassion.
Whether you’re a resident exploring fellowship opportunities, a Triangle community member seeking care, or a clinician looking to expand your skills, the UNC Center for Aging and Health is here to connect you with the resources you need to age well.
2 weeks ago
Last month, Associate Professor of Medicine, John Batsis, MD, made his second official visit to Japan for a five-day international symposium. Hosted by the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, the event's main goal was connecting research and policy discussions with frontline practice.
2 weeks ago
Recently, Anna Kahkoska, MD, PhD (Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine) was lead author on a paper entitled Qualitative Analysis of Patient Portal Messages From Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes. Published in April 2026, several other Center for Aging and Health staff and faculty contributed to the paper including Social/Clinical …
3 months ago
According to Dr. John Batsis, drugs being prescribed to older adults for weight loss (incretin mimetic drugs or GLP-1s) do reduce fat, but may reduce muscle as well. Consequently, preserving muscle in older
3 months ago
The UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine has received $4.1 million in new grant funding to advance emergency care for older adults and individuals living with dementia.
I am so privileged to be surrounded by so many great clinicians, researchers, staff members, and partners. Each one works so well together and their hard work lets us continue advancing the field of Geriatrics. Also, we have so many wonderful patients in our care. Without them, where would we be? When we all work together, we can truly help older adults live well for longer.
–Dr. Jan Busby-Whitehead
Mary and Thomas Hudson Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Director, Center for Aging and Health
“Geriatricians take a holistic view of the patient. We provide care that is focused on the functional activities of daily living. A patient’s chronological age is not important, their functional age is what matters. What can people do? What do they want and need to do?” Read more