Research Interests
- Loneliness and Social Isolation; Solo Agers; Minority older adults
- Aging in Place; Housing and Neighborhood; Environmental Gerontology; Multi-level Approach
- Social and Health Service Integration & Delivery; Continuum of Care
About me
Jihye Baek was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, where she earned her B.A. in Social Welfare, with a minor in Public Administration, from Sungkyunkwan University. In 2017, she relocated to the U.S. to pursue her MSW at Washington University in St. Louis, graduating in 2019 with a focus on gerontology.
During her master’s program, Jihye took on several research assistant roles, coordinating data collection from low-income senior housing facilities. Interviewing hundreds of older adults and learning about their needs and aspirations for Aging in Place (AIP) sparked her fascination with older adults who, despite life’s challenges, continued to thrive and maintain independence in their communities.
After completing her degree, Jihye worked as a social worker across social service organizations in both St. Louis and Seoul. Her work with diverse older adults from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds deepened her passion for addressing the unique social and health service needs of marginalized elderly populations. As a social worker in a senior community welfare center, she conducted comprehensive assessments of frail older adults and coordinated services tailored to their multifaceted needs. She also spearheaded a community care project in Seoul’s Mapo district, exploring the social and housing challenges vulnerable older adults face.
Jihye’s research interests are driven by her hands-on experience. She learned the critical importance of social well-being, which is often underestimated. Amid the multifaceted needs of older adults—including financial and health concerns—the desire for connection and the pervasive feeling of isolation emerged as some of the most prevalent and urgent issues. In response, her research focuses on social isolation and loneliness among older adults, using an ecological lens specifically in the context of housing and neighborhood environments. Additionally, she is committed to integrating social and health services to create seamless, community-based support systems that promote healthy, independent living for seniors.
Fun fact: When she’s not immersed in her research, Jihye enjoys working out with her spouse, sipping coffee or wine, and exploring minimalist interior designs.
Contact
Email | jbaek@wustl.edu
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jihyebaek-msw/