As we near August and the annual APA meeting, it is typically a time to reflect on our division and the activities over recent months. Even though this year and the convention are anything but typical, reflecting on our community and work together takes on added significance.
Div. 20 members and the APA Committee on Aging (CONA) continue to be active advocates and leaders in the field of adult development and aging. In response to COVID-19, our members have been attuned to pandemic effects, including: challenges to the health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities; the impacts on student education and training; and perceptions of risk and age. Our members work to counter COVID-19’s effects through efforts to maintain clients’ access to mental health services, enhance community health, continue training of the next generation of professionals and psychologists, and educate the public about the diversity of aging and prevent the deepening of societal ageism. Here are a few examples:
- Ayalon and colleagues published a recent article in the Journals of Gerontology that highlights ways to combat stereotypical views of aging during COVID-19opens in new window and promote increased intergenerational solidarity.
- Division members encourage efforts to prevent social isolation and loneliness and provide telehealth options for adults, including those residing in skilled nursing facilities.
- CONA offers key points and advice (PDF, 250KB)opens in new window to reduce ageism during the pandemic and leads the effort to pass the APA Resolution on Ageism 2020.
- Div. 20 supports GeroCentral, which includes COVID resourcesopens in new window.
As described by APA President Sandra L. Shullman, recent months also highlight what is felt by so many—a racism pandemic. It is a woeful understatement to say that immense work remains for us to advance science, education, practice, and policy that facilitate optimal and resilient adult development and aging—for all.
This fall marks the beginning of a momentous occasion for Div. 20—our 75th anniversary year. As we embark on a new stage of our collective development, there are tremendous opportunities to shape the future of the psychology of aging. Let us take action, starting in our own academic family.
First, we can build upon the work of division leaders, Susan Whitbourne and Pat Parmelee, who represent us and strive for positive change within APA. Susan continues to be a steadfast champion for psychological science and Div. 20 as a candidate for 2020 APA president-elect. Div. 12 (Section II) and CONA stand ready to work with us to ameliorate the impacts of aging and intersectionality. Third, just as we launched a successful early career initiative in the division, the same can accomplished related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am ready to support Lisa Brown, incoming president, and the Executive Committee in these efforts. We need you to join these efforts as well to catalyze meaningful change.
In closing, I thank members of the division and executive committee for their dedication and inspiring work. Beginning as a graduate student member and representative to the Div. 20 Executive Committee and fast forwarding to serving as the division president this year, I continue to be grateful for our community of scholars and mentors.
Thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve Div. 20 and learn from you.
