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Symposium

Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education

Lessons from the Past, Visions for Tomorrow: Gerontology and GSA in Retrospect

Friday, November 15, 2024
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PST
Location: Room 618
CE: 1.5

    Chair(s)

  • Soomi Lee, PhD (she/her/hers)

    Associate Professor
    School of Aging Studies
    The Pennsylvania State University
    University Park, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Discussant(s)

  • Soomi Lee, PhD (she/her/hers)

    Associate Professor
    School of Aging Studies
    The Pennsylvania State University
    University Park, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Individual Symposium Abstract First Author(s)

  • SZ

    Steven Zarit, PhD (he/him/his)

    Distinguished Professor Emeritus
    Human Development and Family Studies
    The Pennsylvania State University
    University Park, Pennsylvania, United States

    Slides
  • KW

    Kathleen Wilber, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE

    Professor
    Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
    University of Southern California
    Los Angeles, California, United States

GSA is approaching its 80th anniversary, prompting us to reflect on the origins and rich history of gerontology. Gerontology's roots trace back to the early 1900s, an era where older age was often perceived solely as a period of physical and mental decline. However, over time, our understanding of aging has significantly evolved. Despite this progress, a noticeable gap persists in inter-generational knowledge exchange, hindering the opportunity to build upon previous theories and extend seminal work. This year’s theme, “fortitude,” underscores the importance of sustaining good science of aging across generations and disciplines. In response, our symposium provides an educational and scholarly exchange platform rooted in historical perspectives. Three esteemed panelists who have played pivotal roles in shaping GSA's trajectory will share their insights and experiences, with each presentation followed by comments by other panelists. Dr. Steven H. Zarit, recipient of the 2019 Robert W. Kleemeier Award, will discuss how the field of gerontology has evolved. Dr. David Chiriboga, recipient of the 2010 Hiram J. Friedsam Outstanding Mentorship Award, will share his memorable mentorship stories. Dr. Kathleen Wilber, recipient of the 2023 Donald P. Kent Award, will address key values and challenges of the field. The moderator, Dr. Soomi Lee, will facilitate discussions with the panelists and audience. This session offers an opportunity for the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) and the wider GSA community to reflect on the lasting impact of gerontology and discuss collective visions for tomorrow as we navigate the evolving landscape of the field.

Generativity and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

Learning Objectives:

  • After attending this session participants will be able to discuss the history of gerontology and GSA.
  • After attending this session participants will be able to describe the importance of mentorship and knowledge exchange within and across the GSA community.
  • After attending this session participants will be able to identify key, sustainable values and major challenges of the gerontology field.

Presentations:

  • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PST
    Rich History of Gerontology and GSA

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Steven H. Zarit, PhD (he/him/his) – The Pennsylvania State University

  • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PST
    Fostering Generativity: Mentorship and Knowledge Exchange in Gerontology
  • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PST
    Sustaining Values and Charting Futures

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Kathleen H. Wilber, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE – University of Southern California