Who are we?
We are a group of interdisciplinary researchers committed to investigating how chronic stressors rooted in social and structural inequities (e.g., discrimination, ageism, gender and race expectations) influence disparities in chronic disease among older U.S. adults. We have a specific emphasis on Black-White health disparities and health outcomes such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and having multiple health conditions. The underlying motivation for this work is to develop innovative, evidence-based interventions to reduce disparities in chronic diseases among older adults.
What do we do?
- Investigate the complex relationships between contextual, psychosocial, biological, and behavioral factors involved in stress and coping processes that contribute to health disparities. This work provides insight on mechanisms (and key leverage points) through which social marginalization contributes to accelerated biological aging, increased risk for chronic disease, premature mortality, and associated health disparities.
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative studies involving a mix of survey, health record, physiological, stress-sensitive biomarker (e.g., cortisol, inflammatory markers), and interview/focus group data.
- Develop, refine, and evaluate contextually and culturally specific health promotion interventions in collaboration with community partners that are informed by stress and coping health research.
Contact Us
For more information about the lab, contact us:
- SHDLab@education.wisc.edu
- Julie Ober Allen, PhD, MPH, Director and faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, at joallen3@wisc.edu
Interested in contributing to the lab, contact Dr. Allen directly:
- Potential doctoral and master’s students interested in training under Dr. Allen
- Student research assistant, intern, and independent study opportunities (limited availability)
Explore our lab
News
- See Dr. Allen at the UW Institute on Aging Annual Colloquium: What do older adults have in common? Experiences with ageism, which is harmful for health. 10/16/2025.
- New publication: Psychometric properties of the Everyday Ageism Scale: Results from the Experiences of Aging in Society project in the Journal of Aging and Health.
- See Dr. Allen at the Gerontological Society of America annual meeting: Nuanced gender differences in everyday ageism and health. 11/12/2025
- New publication: Black-White differences related to ageism and health: Evidence from the Experiences of Aging in Society project in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. UW Press Release.
- New publication: The Buddy System: African American women with self-reported hypertension and their experiences in a peer (dyadic) support intervention in Global Journal of Health Science.
- See Dr. Allen on Perspectives Matter (PBS): Ageism: The newest bias and Ageism bias: Are there solutions?
- Update from the Experiences of Aging in Society project: July 2024 Report
- New publication: How old do I look? Aging appearance and experiences of aging among US adults ages 50-80 in Psychology and Aging. OU Press Release. UM Press Release.
- Update from the Stretching It project: February 2024 Report
- New publication: Aging stigma and the health of US adults over age 65: What do we know? in Clinical Interventions in Aging
- See Dr. Allen on CBS Sunday Morning: Fighting back against ageism