Nancy A. Whitelaw of the National Council on Aging has been chosen by The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) to receive its 2007 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging. This honor, given annually, recognizes instances of practice informed by research and analysis, research that directly improved policy or practice, and distinction in bridging the worlds of research and practice.
The award presentation will take place at GSA's 60th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 16th - 20th, 2007 in San Francisco, CA. The actual conferral will occur on Sunday the 18th at 3:00 p.m. at the Hilton San Francisco. The convention is organized to foster interdisciplinary interactions among clinical, administrative, and research professionals who specialize in the study of the aging process.
Upon her arrival at NCOA, Whitelaw created a new division, the Center for Healthy Aging, and began to advance her vision of widespread implementation of evidence-based programs to improve the care of older adults. Across the United States, she has taught thousands of professionals the tools needed to appreciate scientific evidence for health promotion programs and the techniques of evidence-based practice.
Individuals who are mid-career and actively engaged in the conception and development of innovative programs that demonstrate excellence in translating research into practical application or policy are eligible for this prize. The winner traditionally presents a lecture at the Annual Scientific Meeting the following year. The award is made possible through a generous grant from The New York Community Trust's Maxwell A. Pollack fund.
The Gerontological Society of America is the nation's oldest and largest multidisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society - and its 5,000+ members - is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public.