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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Robert H. Binstock, PhD, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, 216-368-3717, robert.binstock@case.edu, Carroll L. Estes, PhD, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 3333 California Street, LHts-455, San Francisco, CA 94143-0612, Marcia Gail Ory, PhD, MPH, Prevention Research Center, Texas A&M University System, School of Rural Public Health, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1266, and Robert Burke, PhD, Department of Health Services Management and Leadership, The George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, 2175 K Street, NW, Suite 820, Washington, DC 20037.

This symposium takes note of the publication of the 6th edition of the Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences and considers how far the field of gerontological health has come in the 30 years since the first edition was published in 1976, and where it needs to go in the future. The symposium panel includes the senior editor of all 6 editions of the Handbook and a distinguished panel of gerontologists who have served in government, academic institutions, and the private sector as premier researchers and programmatic leaders. A goal of the Handbook has been to synthesize what is currently known in the field of aging, and the very introduction of new topics serves as a resource for change. The choice of new authors to address the same or similar topics also often influences the field because of the very different perspectives they may bring to bear. Moreover, especially in recent editions, the authors have laid out agendas for future research at the conclusion of chapters. The Handbook has been useful in three domains: policy, practice, and research. With respect to each of these domains, the symposium participants will address the following issues. How is the study of gerontology different in 2006 from 1976? How have policy and practice issues changed? What areas of gerontological inquiry have been added over the past 30 years? What areas, if any, are no longer areas of interest and concern? What are the challenging areas of inquiry and advocacy for the future?

Learning Objectives:

• Describe transitions in gerontological policy, research, and practice over the past 30 years.

Keywords: Aging, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No