Livability for Longevity Symposium

Changing Needs for an Aging Metropolis

As communities across the United States confront rapid population aging, widening health disparities, and growing pressures on family caregivers, the question of how to design livable, age-friendly systems of care has become increasingly urgent. The 2026 Livability & Longevity Symposium brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to explore scalable, evidence-based strategies that strengthen mental health, social connection, and community supports for older adults while advancing intergenerational well-being.

Jacqueline L. Angel, The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs

is a professor of public affairs and sociology and a faculty affiliate at the Population Research Center and the LBJ School Center for Health and Social Policy at The University of Texas at Austin. She did her postdoctoral training in mental health services research at Rutgers University and at the Pennsylvania State University Program in Demography of Aging. Her research examines health and retirement issues in the U.S., with a focus on older minorities, the impact of social policy on the Hispanic population, and Mexican-American families. Dr. Angel is the author/co-author/editor of 80 journal articles, 30 book chapters, and 10 books.

Karen Fingerman, Director, Texas Aging and Longevity Consortium

is a Professor of Human Development & Family Sciences at UT Austin. She studies adult development and aging and is currently the Director of the Texas Longevity Consortium at UT Austin and the Research Director of the Center on Aging & Population Sciences. She also oversees the Graduate Portfolio in Aging & Health. Dr. Fingerman's research focuses on social and emotional processes across adulthood, health, and well-being.

Dr. Namkee Choi Louis and Ann Wolens Centennial Chair in Gerontology

Dr. Choi’s nationally recognized research has transformed access to mental health care for low-income, homebound older adults. Drawing on a series of NIH-funded trials, Dr. Choi will present findings on tele-delivered behavioral activation (Tele-BA) and problem-solving therapy (Tele-PST), demonstrating how technology-enabled and lay-delivered interventions can expand reach, reduce costs, and address workforce shortages while maintaining strong clinical outcomes. Her work offers a pragmatic model for integrating mental health services into aging and community-based systems, with implications for equity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation at scale.

Vanessa Fuentes Austin City Councilwoman

serves as a Council Member for the city of Austin. She represents District 2 on the Austin City Council – one of the fastest-growing regions in Central Texas and home to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. She serves on the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Transportation Policy Board and is Chair of the National League of Cities’ Transportation & Infrastructure Services Committee. A strong advocate for equitable and sustainable urban development, she champions initiatives that prepare cities for rapid growth through smart infrastructure, multimodal transit, and workforce development. Vanessa also holds a Master’s in Public Leadership from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

Alexandria Anderson Community Advocate for Aging in Place and Intergenerational Equity (East Austin).

Alexandria is a retired World Class NIKE American sprinter who specialized in the 100 and 200 meters. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, she competed on several USA World Medal Winning International Teams for 8 years (2009-2017). In 2018, she decided to retire and continue in the fitness industry. Receiving her ACE Personal Training Certification in January 2018, Alexandria continues to pursue her passion of fitness, nutrition and sports. In Fall 2018, she launched her business Essential Fitness ATX, with a mission to bring a holistic training experience that integrates training for the brain, body and breath. “With this customized approach, you will unlock your full potential in the gym and in life.” She is heavily involved in community organizations such as the Austin Neighborhood Council, Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association, and AALI (African American Leadership Institute) Austin, nonprofits such as Raasin in the Sun and volunteers on a weekly basis.

Neda Norouzi Ph.D. Associate Professor, UT San Antonio Architecture and Planning.

Neda Norouzi is a tenured Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), specializing in healthcare facilities planning and design, universal design, and inclusive environments for aging populations. Holding a Ph.D. in Architecture and Design Research, alongside Master of Architecture and Master of Urban and Regional Planning degrees, she advances community-engaged scholarships at the intersection of architecture, human development, and accessibility. Her research and presentations, including those on intergenerational spaces and smart home technologies for healthy aging, align closely with livability and longevity themes.​

Mandi Golman Supervisor Schoolyards and Grounds Austin ISD -Sustainability Office

Supervisor, Schoolyards and Grounds, Austin ISD -Sustainability Office (TBC). Mandi Golman obtained her degree from UT Austin and a Master’s at CSU in Ecosystems and Sustainability. She is also a LEED® Green Associate™, certified natural playground designer from North Carolina State University, and is up to date on all ASTM and CPSC standards, Permaculture Certificate, and obtained a license in irrigation. Mandi Golman - City Parks Alliance

Chloe Baker second-year law student at The University of Texas School of Law

Chloe Baker is currently a second-year law student at The University of Texas School of Law. Before law school, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Communication Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, with a minor in English and a concentration in Business & Public Policy. During her undergraduate studies, she served as the university’s Student Conduct President, where she examined and worked to advance various university policy initiatives as an appointed student body representative. After graduation, she worked at Goldman Sachs as a Private Asset Management Legal Analyst, where she developed a strong interest in the intersection of finance, public policy, and legal regulation.

As part of her legal studies, Chloe is currently enrolled in Dr. Jacqueline L. Angel’s advanced policy and practice seminar on Aging, Health & Social Welfare, in which she and her classmates have spent the semester examining intergenerational day center models and analyzing potential public support for a municipal bond to fund the creation of such a facility in Austin, Texas. She joins the symposium as a co-moderator of the expert panel and is grateful for the opportunity to learn from the panelists and guests who have generously shared their time and insights.

Sarah Holden marketing and program management professional currently pursuing a Master's degree in Health Humanities at The University of Texas at Austin.

As a cancer survivor and young-onset-cancer awareness advocate, she brings a unique perspective that bridges the worlds of healthcare, business, and community engagement.

Sarah earned her B.S. in Communication Studies from The University of Texas at Austin, graduating with University Honors. She is currently completing her second year of graduate coursework in the Humanities in Health and Medicine program, where she serves as a Teaching Assistant and focuses on medical research, healthcare policy, and nonprofit studies.

Info: Louis and Ann Wolens Centennial Chair in Gerontology. Dr. Choi’s nationally recognized research has transformed access to
Namkee G. Choi, Ph.D.mental health care for low-income, homebound older adults. Drawing on a series of NIH-funded trials, Dr. Choi will present findings on tele-delivered behavioral activation (Tele-BA) and problem-solving therapy (Tele-PST), demonstrating how technology-enabled and lay-delivered interventions can expand reach, reduce costs, and address workforce shortages while maintaining strong clinical outcomes. Her work offers a pragmatic model for integrating mental health services into aging and community-based systems, with implications for equity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation at scale.

Info: Louis and Ann Wolens Centennial Chair in Gerontology. Dr. Choi’s nationally recognized research has transformed access to
Namkee G. Choi, Ph.D.mental health care for low-income, homebound older adults. Drawing on a series of NIH-funded trials, Dr. Choi will present findings on tele-delivered behavioral activation (Tele-BA) and problem-solving therapy (Tele-PST), demonstrating how technology-enabled and lay-delivered interventions can expand reach, reduce costs, and address workforce shortages while maintaining strong clinical outcomes. Her work offers a pragmatic model for integrating mental health services into aging and community-based systems, with implications for equity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation at scale

Info: UT Austin IDC Feasibility Study- Simulation Findings- Dr. Angel and Graduate Students This session examines how cities can align behavioral health, aging services, and intergenerational infrastructure to promote and invest in healthy aging in place initiatives (Resolution #84). Faculty and students from the LBJ School will share findings from a policy simulation assessing public support, cost considerations, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Info: Advancing Age-Friendly Community Planning and Livability for Older Adults. (Resolution #84 document.cfm Panelists address local policy commitment to exploring new options in community-based services, including intergenerational day programming in the City of Austin. Co-Presiders Chloe Baker and Sarah Holden

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

LBJ School of Public Affairs - Bass Lecture Hall, 2300 Red River Street, Austin, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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