The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) — the nation's largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — has chosen Andrew Scharlach, PhD, of the University of California at Berkeley as the 2014 recipient of the 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. 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. The award is made possible through a generous grant from The New York Community Trust's Maxwell A. Pollack Fund.
The award presentation will take place at GSA's 67th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 5 to 9 in Washington, DC. This conference is organized to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, educators, and practitioners who specialize in the study of the aging process. Visit http://www.geron.org/annualmeeting for further details.
At the University of California at Berkeley, Scharlach is the Eugene and Rose Kleiner Professor of Aging and the director of the Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services at the School of Social Welfare. His research examines the physical and social contexts that are conducive to constructive outcomes for older adults. He currently is directing a multi-year program of research examining innovative initiatives for helping communities to become more aging-friendly. Scharlach's other research interests include aging policies, programs, and services; family caregiving; work/family issues; death, dying, and bereavement; and gerontological social work education.
Scharlach has published more than 75 articles and is the co-author of four books: "Elder Care and the Work Force: Blueprint for Action," "Controversial Issues in Aging," "Families and Work: New Directions in the Twenty-First Century," and "Healthy Aging in Sociocultural Perspective." He is a GSA fellow, which represents the Society's highest class of membership.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society — and its 5,500+ members — is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public. GSA's structure also includes a policy institute, the National Academy on an Aging Society, and an educational branch, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.