Tom Meuser

Tom Meuser, Ph.D., is a Professor of Social Work and Founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Aging and Health (CEAH) at the University of New England (UNE). He transitioned to the Health, Wellness, & Occupational Studies Program in 2023 while maintaining his leadership role in aging research. Meuser is a clinical psychologist with expertise in narrative gerontology, neuropsychology of dementia, and psychosocial interventions to enhance well-being in older adults.

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (emphasis on aging), University of Missouri-St. Louis (1997)
• Postdoctoral fellowship in clinical geropsychology, Center for Healthy Aging, Akron, OH (1998)
• Founder of the UM-St. Louis Life Review Project (2008)

His research focuses on themes like dementia caregiving, older driver safety, life review therapy, and legacy communication. He developed the widely used MM Caregiver Grief Inventory and delivered a TED Talk on cross-generational legacy beliefs in 2017. Meuser has extensive experience in human subjects research, grant writing, and academic leadership, including roles at Washington University’s Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and as Interim Associate Dean at UM-St. Louis.

• Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2011)
• Editorial Board Member, Gerontology & Geriatrics Education

He mentors students through applied aging research projects and leads the UNE Legacy Scholars Program, which engages adults aged 55+ in healthful aging research. Meuser’s work bridges clinical practice, education, and community engagement.