Sentiment holds steady amid confidence in slowing inflation

ANN ARBOR—Sentiment remained essentially unchanged since January 2024, solidifying the large gains from December and January, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Consumers exhibited confidence that inflation will continue to soften, said U-M economist Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys of Consumers. Assessments and expectations of personal finances improved modestly from last… Continue reading Sentiment holds steady amid confidence in slowing inflation

Lifetime of stress takes toll on cardiovascular health of Black Americans

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Structural inequities and systemic racism in the United States has had long-term implications for marginalized racial and ethnic groups. Black Americans, in particular, experience higher rates of hypertension and cardiovascular disease-related mortality than their White counterparts in part because of their greater exposure to stress across the life… Continue reading Lifetime of stress takes toll on cardiovascular health of Black Americans

Couples with similar drinking habits may live longer, according to a new paper

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — The couple that drinks together might live longer together, too, at least according to new research.  Findings in “Alcohol Use and Mortality Among Older Couples in the United States: Evidence of Individual and Partner Effects,” published recently in The Gerontologist, suggest that couples  who are concordant in their… Continue reading Couples with similar drinking habits may live longer, according to a new paper

Next Generation Initiative helps SRC researcher Noura Insolera to come full circle

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Noura Insolera, Ph.D., has achieved a lot at the Institute for Social Research (ISR). An assistant research scientist at the Survey Research Center (SRC), she investigates the effects of income inequality across many different fields, including health, policy , and other social spheres. She leads the Panel Study… Continue reading Next Generation Initiative helps SRC researcher Noura Insolera to come full circle

Built environment shapes public health in unexpected and important ways

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Just as we shape our environment through the things we build, the environment we build shapes us. Everything from ergonomics to green space, air quality, and more stems from the way the world around us has been designed and built. “Built Environment and Public Health: More Than 20… Continue reading Built environment shapes public health in unexpected and important ways

Two ISR-affiliated faculty members receive project funding from the Graham Sustainability Institute

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Three researchers at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research have been awarded catalyst grants funded by the Graham Sustainability Institute. Atiyya Shaw, Ph.D. of the Research Center for Group Dynamics (RCGD), Sunghee Lee, Ph.D., of the Survey Research Center (SRC) and Uttam Sharma, Ph.D., of the… Continue reading Two ISR-affiliated faculty members receive project funding from the Graham Sustainability Institute

Public health resources: Striving for equality among vulnerable communities

U-M study examines measures used to inform how researchers, policymakers identify areas in need of health resources ANN ARBOR—Over the course of the pandemic, COVID-19 hit Black communities and communities of color particularly hard. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander… Continue reading Public health resources: Striving for equality among vulnerable communities

Personal finances improve while economic outlook darkens

ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment fell back a modest 2.5 index points, or 4%, in November, extending what is now a four-month stretch of consecutive declines, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. While consumers’ views of their personal finances improved, their economic outlook deteriorated, due in part to growing concerns about high interest rates,… Continue reading Personal finances improve while economic outlook darkens

New paper explores the impact of family ties on older adults

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Family connections draw special attention around the holidays, but there may be more to holiday gatherings than spending time with relatives. New research indicates that family ties in older adults have a positive impact on their mental health and social participation. “Family Ties and Older Adult Well-Being: Incorporating… Continue reading New paper explores the impact of family ties on older adults

Confidence drops amid inflation frustration

ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment fell back about 6% this October after inching down slightly for two consecutive months, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. One-year expected business conditions plunged 16% and expectations over consumers’ own personal finances in the year ahead fell 8%, reflecting ongoing concerns about inflation and, to a lesser degree,… Continue reading Confidence drops amid inflation frustration