At the Acts Center for Applied Research (ACAR), our goal is to use the tools of applied research to explore ways of promoting successful aging and enhancing the services available to the older adult population across the country and around the world.
We focus on research examining the unique social, spiritual, physical, and psychological needs of older adults and on the environmental factors and lifestyle choices that contribute to their well-being.
Acts Retirement-Life Communities launched ACAR in 2003 as an important means for fulfilling Acts’ mission of social responsibility. Since then, we have worked to contribute to the body of knowledge related to aging—a body of knowledge that is growing, but in many important areas, still far from complete.
We are especially interested in generating insights on the unique experience of today’s retirees, many of whom are living decades longer than prior generations, thereby charting new territory for us all.
ACAR fulfills its purpose through partnerships with a variety of universities, health care providers, government agencies, and other research institutions. We join with other non-profits who are conducting promising studies and connect these organizations with Acts residents interested in taking part as participants.
As part of Acts, ACAR is a not-for-profit entity and does not receive payment for its work. ACAR collaborates only with research partners who are also non-profits.
Rachel Augustin is the Managing Director of the Acts Center for Applied Research.
Ms. Augustin has over 20 years of experience in health care research, analytics, and strategy across payers, providers, health systems, and public sector organizations. Rachel joined Acts in 2026. In her role, Ms. Augustin designs, executes, and disseminates all forms of research to inform strategic decision-making at Acts. She also develops partnerships with universities, health care providers, government agencies, and other non-profits to provide opportunities for Acts staff and residents to participate in national and international studies on healthy and successful aging.
Ms. Augustin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Columbia University and a Master of Public Health in Health Policy from George Washington University.
Jo Anne Hartman is the Vice President of Education and Research at Acts Retirement Life Communities.
Ms. Hartman oversees the operational direction and execution of Acts Corporate University and the Acts Center for Applied Research, advancing education, leadership development, and evidence-informed practice across the organization.
Ms. Hartman held prior leadership roles at Acts, including Managing Director of Acts Corporate University (ACU), Director of Learning and Development for ACU, and Program Manager. Prior to joining Acts, Ms. Hartman spent more than 11 years in school administration and an additional six years as a teacher.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Millersville University and a Master of Education in Training and Performance Improvement from Capella University. Ms. Hartman also completed the LeadingAge Leadership Educator Program in 2016 and was named a LeadingAge Fellow in 2020. She served on the LeadingAge and LeadingAge PA Annual Conference Task Forces and currently serves on the LeadingAge PA Education Committee.