Center for Policy Research on Aging

The demographic challenges of a nation growing older and living longer are forcing Americans to confront the roles of government and the private sector in serving older adults and their families. The doubling of the 65-and-over population over the next 30 years raises a host of important policy and political issues whose solutions will require a balanced, analytical and thoughtful approach. Established in 1997 as part of the UCLA School of Public Affairs, the Center for Policy Research on Aging (CPRA) studies the major policy issues affecting our aging society including Social Security, Medicare, long-term care, and the societal implications that accompany the aging of the baby boom generation and its parents. The CPRA will focus special attention on policy issues as they affect Latino, African-American, Asian and other ethnic populations. As a national, state and local resource center on aging policy, CPRA conducts research, fosters multidisciplinary collaboration among UCLA faculty, works closely with policy makers, service providers and community groups in meeting the challenges of an aging society. The Center was established through a generous endowment from Rudy and Robert J. Myers.

CPRA Research Agenda

CPRA research interests include:

• The politics of aging in the Latino community
• The Future of Social Security and Medicare
• Aging Policy in the state of California
• Policy implications of Los Angeles’ ethnically diverse elderly population
• Global Aging, in particular Asian Countries
• The Aging of the Baby Boomer cohort

In addition, CPRA is committed to aging policy education on the undergraduate levels. The Center gives students the opportunity to participate in a variety of research projects that foster the development of analytical, writing and organizational skills.

Ongoing Project: “Social Security in the Latino Communities

Links:

Latinos & Social Security (LSS)

CPRA Staff

Fernando Torres-Gil, Ph.D. Director  Dr. Torres-Gil returned to UCLA in 1997 after serving as the first-ever Assistant Secretary for Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He is currently Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for SPA and a professor of Social Welfare and Policy Studies. His scholarly interests in the areas of public policy, aging, ethnicity, health and long-term care have translated into a variety of government positions at the local, state, and national levels.

Bum Jung Kim, M.S.W. Associate Director  Bum Jung Kim has an extensive record of research and government service both in South Korea and in the U.S. In particular, he served as a government official in South Korea and completed an internship at the Office of Services to the Aging in the State of Michigan. His primary interests are long-term care, immigration policies, public long-term care insurance, and comparative gerontological social work.

Analia E. Rao Assistant Director Analia E. Rao is a medical social worker with a comprehensive background that includes a vast experience in clinical social work, research, and teaching. Her areas of interest are: public health, gerontology, children and families, and child welfare.

Delilah Niebla Assistant Director Delilah Niebla is a Masters in Social Welfare student. She has worked in various social service sectors including child welfare, juvenile justice, domestic violence, and education. Her interests are policy settings in gerontology and children/youth services.

Contact information:  

Center for Policy Research on Aging 
School of Public Affairs 
University of California, Los Angeles 
3250 Public Policy Building 
Box 951656 
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1656 
Telephone: (310) 794-5908
E-Mail: torres@spa.ucla.edu or SWL2001@ucla.edu or analia@ucla.edu or dniebla@ucla.edu