Presidential Symposium: Presidential Politics and the Fortitude Factor: Empowering Older Adults in Today's Political Landscape

Saturday, November 16, 2024

3:30 PM – 5:15 PM PST

Location: Room 4C-2

CE: 1.5

Chair(s)

Tetyana Shippee, PhD, FGSA (she/her/hers)

Professor
Division of Health Policy and Management
University of Minnesota School Of Public Health
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Discussant(s)

Brian Kaskie, PhD, FGSA

Professor of Health Policy
Health Policy
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Individual Symposium Abstract First Author(s)

Robyn Stone, DrPH (she/her/hers)

Senior Vice President, Research
LeadingAge LTSS Center@UMass Boston
LeadingAge
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Jane Lowers, PhD, MPA

Assistant Professor
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
BL

Brian Lindberg, Master of Management of Human Services (he/him/his)

Public Policy Advisor
Policy & Professional Affairs
Gerontological Society of America
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

In the backdrop of a presidential election, the United States faces a critical issue: a diminishing unity within the advocacy community dedicated to addressing the needs of an aging population. While acknowledging past successes in securing significant public investments for older adults, there is a noticeable decline in advocacy cohesion as the older adults demographic continue to grow. Presenters highlight the need for renewed advocacy efforts, emphasizing intergenerational collaboration, to compel presidential candidates to address aging policy agendas. Presenters also challenge the reliance on individual fortitude in aging policies, arguing that systemic supports are essential to equitable outcomes. They advocate for rethinking aging policies, emphasizing collective action and alternative organizing principles, especially in light of the complex challenges faced by older adults.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this session, participants will be able to discuss the historical context and current challenges surrounding advocacy efforts for the aging population in the US
After attending this session, participants will be able to critically evaluate prevailing aging policies and the need for renewed organizing that prioritize systemic supports and collection action to address the complex and evolving needs of older adults.

Presentations:

3:30 PM – 5:15 PM PST

Where Have All the Advocates Gone?
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Robyn Stone, DrPH (she/her/hers) – LeadingAge
3:30 PM – 5:15 PM PST

The Limits of Fortitude: Principles for Advancing Equitable Aging Policy
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Jane Lowers, PhD, MPA – Emory University
3:30 PM – 5:15 PM PST

Presidential Politics and the Fortitude Factor
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Brian W. Lindberg, Master of Management of Human Services (he/him/his) – Gerontological Society of America