PITTSBURGH – UPMC Senior Services will honor Anne B. Newman, M.D., M.P.H., professor and chair of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Epidemiology and clinical director of the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh as its 2018 Grand Champion for her work in the epidemiology of aging, longevity and disability. It is the highest honor awarded by UPMC Senior Services.

“Dr. Newman is an astounding physician and scientist who plays a critical role in developing the clinical platforms needed to turn basic science discoveries into population health and patient care that will ultimately improve the lives of seniors in western Pennsylvania and the nation,” said Deborah Brodine, president of UPMC Community Provider Services. “UPMC Senior Services is proud to recognize her for such exemplary work on behalf of the seniors in western Pennsylvania.” 

The awards will be presented tonight at the annual UPMC Senior Services Celebrating Senior Champions dinner and auction at the Omni William Penn hotel.

Newman has led extensive research studies for more than 30 years that involve thousands of older adults in Pittsburgh, and her work has led to important observations on the causes and consequences of functional decline as people age. “She has a passion for finding ways to prevent late-life disability among seniors and expanding their health span, free of disease and disability,” added Brodine.

Newman is internationally renowned for her work focused on the determinants of physical and cognitive function as well as successful aging and longevity. Her studies aim to prevent disability using physical activity, weight management and medical therapies.

“I am so grateful to UPMC Senior Services for this recognition. I have been fortunate to work with many people at UPMC and Pitt who are dedicated to improving the lives of older adults. It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead these efforts as clinical director of the Aging Institute. The field of aging science is advancing rapidly, and we expect that many of those advances will make aging better for all. I truly believe that the Pittsburgh community can be the best place in the world to grow old,” said Newman.

UPMC Senior Services also will honor United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania as its 2018 Community Champion with Robert Nelkin, president and chief executive officer, accepting the award on behalf of the organization. Nelkin has devoted his life to making meaningful change for vulnerable citizens and under his leadership, United Way has evolved to address the ever-changing issues of seniors. United Way launched “Open Your Heart to a Senior” in 2012, connecting caring adults with seniors who need extra help to remain safe at home and who would benefit from companionship to combat isolation and loneliness. Since then, thousands of seniors and volunteers have developed enriching relationships, helping seniors prolong their health, happiness and independence.

Additionally, UPMC Senior Services will honor Richard Schulz, Ph.D., distinguished service professor of psychiatry, director of Gerontology, and associate director of the Aging Institute of UPMC and Pitt, as its 2018 Caregiver Champion. Schulz has spent most of his career conducting research and writing about adult development and aging. His work has focused on social-psychological aspects of aging, including the impact of disabling late-life disease on patients and their families.