Texas A&M Researchers Highlight Local Contributions at National Aging Conference

Researchers from Texas A&M University’s Public Policy Research Institute recently represented the Brazos Valley on a national stage at the 2025 National Council on Aging Age + Action Conference, celebrating 75 years of leadership in aging services.

Dr. Nandita Chaudhuri, senior research scientist and principal investigator, and Andrea Sesock, project coordinator II, presented findings from several Texas-based initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for older adults. Their work reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to community-centered research and public service.

Key presentations included:

  • “Recipe for Community Health: Expanding and Adapting Evidence-Based Programs,” featuring the ¡Sí, Yo Puedo! diabetes self-management program, implemented in partnership with Dallas County.
  • “Sustaining Senior Nutrition Programs Through Social Marketing and Community Partnerships,” highlighting the DINE in Texas Project and its impact in rural communities such as Brownwood.
  • A collaborative poster session titled “Prevention Strategies Linked to Resource-Poor Senior Nutrition Settings,” presented with fellow NCOA grantees Denise Johnson and Erin Martinez.

These projects are especially relevant to the Brazos Valley, where recent assessments show that up to 85 percent of residents over age 65 are at risk of malnutrition, due to factors such as isolation, poverty and chronic health conditions. Additionally, the 2022 Greater Brazos Valley Regional Health Assessment identified senior nutrition and chronic disease management as top community health priorities.

“These presentations reflect our commitment to using data-driven, culturally informed approaches to support healthy aging,” said Dr. Chaudhuri. “Our research not only informs state and local policy but also contributes to national conversations on modernized community-based support for healthy aging.”

The research was supported by national partners including the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center, the National Council on Aging and the Administration for Community Living.

To learn more about the conference and the featured research, visit: https://www.ncoa.org/article/age-action-2025.

References

  1. Greater Brazos Valley Community Health Needs Assessment, 2022. Brazos Valley Council of Governments.
  2. National Council on Aging. Age + Action Conference 2025. https://www.ncoa.org/article/age-action-2025