George Kuchel is an innovator in healthy aging, a mentor to medical students, and an advocate for older adults.
“How can we add life to your years?”
That unexpected turn of phrase — because one might expect it to say “How can we add years to your life?” — is what guides George Kuchel, M.D., and his UConn Center on Aging colleagues. Boosting independence and improving quality of life for older adults is a core mission of the research center.
Founded in 1986 and one of the first of its kind, the Center on Aging has become a national leader in research, clinical trials, and medical education. Kuchel joined the center in 2000, and under his leadership it’s grown in size and scope. Today, its multidisciplinary team is supported by a research portfolio exceeding $40 million.
Centered on Healthy Aging
Kuchel’s own research centers on precision gerontology, which explores why we age at different rates and in different patterns, with different strengths and challenges. These reasons, Kuchel explains, go beyond DNA and may also result from behavioral, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors.
Among the most esteemed researchers in his field, Kuchel was elected to the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research (AHLR) in 2023. This elite group is dedicated to studying the mechanisms of aging and developing interventions to slow and reverse the process. Kuchel said his nomination to AHLR is a testament to nationally recognized work happening at the UConn Center on Aging.
The word “geriatric” can admittedly come with connotations. When it comes down to it, Kuchel wants to emphasize the phrase “healthy aging.” In a previous interview with Seasons Magazine he explained, “We strongly believe that geriatric care is not only for those who are ‘geriatric,’ but people who are doing everything they can to remain healthy and independent. And that ultimately includes all of us.”
We strongly believe that geriatric care is not only for those who are ‘geriatric,’ but people who are doing everything they can to remain healthy and independent. And that ultimately includes all of us.
Connecting with Connecticut’s Older Adults
As part of its mission to provide high-quality, comprehensive care for older adults, the Center on Aging offers a variety of services at locations around the state. One of those is the UConn Geriatrics and Health Aging practice, which serves as a one-stop shop for a variety of physical and mental health needs.
Kuchel and his colleague Dr. Patrick P. Coll, —developed the idea for a clinic focused on coordinated care after noticing that older adults were forced to see multiple providers in multiple locations. At the time of its opening Kuchel said, “We believe this is the first clinic of its kind in this region of the country. And as best we can tell, there is also no such example elsewhere in the Northeast.”
Launching this clinic is just one of many ways Kuchel’s innovation has driven change in how the field cares for older adults.
We believe this is the first clinic of its kind in this region of the country. And as best we can tell, there is also no such example elsewhere in the Northeast.
Developing the Next Generation of Geriatricians
There are more adults aged 65 and over than at any point in U.S. history. Yet, fewer than one percent of all physicians are board-certified geriatricians. It’s part of the center’s mission to boost that number.
As of 2024, more than 120 geriatricians have completed their fellowship training at the UConn Center of Aging, where Kuchel is among the core faculty. As a professor of medicine, he holds several appointments at UConn School of Medicine and the UConn Graduate School. He’s Chief of Geriatric Medicine and the Traveler’s Chair of Geriatrics and Gerontology.
Becoming Part of the National Conversation
In July 2024, Kuchel was appointed to a four-year term on the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The group of experts will provide guidance to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on selecting the appropriate vaccines for effective control of preventable diseases. This is especially relevant to the aging population.
Kuchel says the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fact that frail older adults are especially likely to develop life-threatening complications when confronted with infections. At the time of his appointment he said, “My colleagues and I, who provide care and conduct aging research, look forward to playing our part in promoting health and independence in older adults through judicious use of vaccines.”
This national appointment underscores the valuable contributions UConn researchers like Kuchel make to their broader fields of study.
Because of UConn, older adults are more independent. Innovations in geriatric medicine can be advanced Because of You.