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ASA Convention Exceeds Expectations
The USC Andrus Gerontology Center Makes an Impressive Showing at The American Society on Aging and The National Council on the Aging Conference in Anaheim from March 16th through the 19th

The University of Southern California houses the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, one of the most renowned institutions dedicated to the study of aging in the world.  The Center is home to the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, which offers a Ph.D. program, two Master’s degrees – one of which is available online – and an undergraduate degree in gerontology.  So when the American Society on Aging (ASA) and The National Council on the Aging (NCOA), the nation’s two largest professional associations of their kind, hold a joint conference in Trojan territory, it’s only appropriate that the Andrus Gerontology Center and Davis School are well represented.

From March 16th through the 19th, at the Hilton and Marriott Hotels in Anaheim, CA, over ten delegates from USC attended the ASA/NCOA Conference.  Entitled Invest in Aging: Strengthening Families, Communities and Ourselves, the event brought together professionals in the field of aging to share ideas on local, statewide and national levels.

“As the first school of gerontology established in this country, it’s important to have association with organizations like ASA/NCOA,” said Director of Outreach and Admissions Mike Rivas, who staffed the USC Andrus Gerontology Center’s booth in the main convention hall. 

“It’s also an opportunity to share our programs with people who might benefit from a degree in higher education in this field.” 

The conference had over 4,000 attendees and featured over 800 sessions, many of which were attended by USC representatives as both active learners and as expert presenters. 

“ASA is a happening place,” said Dr. Jon Pynoos, the UPS Foundation Professor of Gerontology, Policy, Planning and Development, who made several presentations in addition to his obligations as an ASA Board Member.  “There is so much going on.”

On Thursday morning, Dr. Pynoos presented in back to back sessions.  His first discussion was a ringing endorsement for the development of a fall prevention infrastructure throughout California.  His second presentation, entitled, “Housing and Aging in Place,” looked at ways in which seniors can maintain their independence in their own homes.  On Friday, Dr. Pynoos presented on Universal Design, an exciting new field of interior design, which develops products such as furnishings, appliances and living spaces that promote equal opportunity for use by people of all ages. 

“The conference was a wonderful place to see and interact with colleagues from a variety of disciplines,” Dr. Pynoos said. “Small conversations with other professionals were just as valuable as participating and presenting.”

Kate Wilber, Ph.D., Mary Pickford Foundation Professor of Gerontology, whose expertise includes long-term health care, elder abuse and guardianship, also maintained a busy speaking schedule at the conference.  On Wednesday morning, she kicked off the first of first of four sessions with an introductory discussion on elder abuse, followed by a more specific conversation on financial maltreatment of elders.  On Thursday, together with Post Doctoral Research Associate Christy Nishita and Ph.D. Candidate Gretchen Alkema, Dr. Wilber lectured on the topic of translating gerontology research into care management practice.  For her final presentation on Saturday afternoon, Dr. Nishita joined Dr. Wilber once again for a joint address on the role of lay leaders in implementing gerontology research into practice.

“Our discussion demonstrated the potential role that older adult volunteers can play in improving the health and quality of life of their peers,” said Dr. Nishita.

The USC Andrus Gerontology Center’s reception on Saturday night was also well attended by prospective students who came to talk about the school with staffers, alumni and faculty.

“I’ve traveled the globe as a pilot with the Navy but now I’m looking to change gears into something with seniors and tourism,” said George Tsukatos, a visitor to the reception. “An M.A. in gerontology might be just what I need for a career that will continue to take me all over the world.”

Another visiting alumna, Laura Giles, MSG, class of 2004, who is now a Program Officer with the Archstone Foundation, reflected on her days at USC.

“My experience as a graduate student at the (USC Davis) School of Gerontology gave me a wide-ranging understanding of many issues related to the quality of life of our aging population,” she said.

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“The conference was a wonderful place to see and interact with colleagues from a variety of disciplines.”

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