Zachary Zimmer Professor of Sociology 307 BEH S 801-581-7922 zachary.zimmer@soc.utah.edu Senior Scholar Institute for Public and International Policy (IPIA) 214 OSH – 585-0714 zachary.zimmer@ipia.utah.edu VITA

Zachary Zimmer is a Professor of Sociology and a Senior Scholar at the Institute of Public and International Affairs. Zimmer uses a demographic viewpoint to investigate health and aging across the developing world. On a broad level, his research examines how the compilation and interaction of rapid demographic and social change influences the wellbeing of older persons. This has prompted work in East and Southeast Asia where population aging and socioeconomic change has been swift. In this part of the world, Zimmer has been examining later-life health as it relates to social phenomenon such as place of residence and social stratification, and has been studying the impact of changing family and intergenerational relations on various indicators of wellbeing. A related concern is with older adults in societies characterized by harsh living conditions, such as extreme poverty, high rates of HIV/AIDS, and histories of violence. Zimmer recently established a program in Cambodia centering on his collaborative '2004 Survey of the Elderly in Cambodia', which is the country’s first population-wide representative sample survey specifically centered on older adults.

Zimmer takes a team oriented approach to research and works in collaboration with local policy-makers and academicians. This allows his results to be quickly and readily translated into local policy.  He is also involved in capacity building in developing countries, having taught a number of classes and having worked closely with researchers in a mentoring role in several developing countries. Zimmer believes in the symbiosis between teaching and research and as such his teaching interests parallel his research.  He teaches courses related to world population problems, global health and aging, as well as introductions to demography and sociology.