Happy Holidays SPO Family!
In this season of warmth and joy, I find myself reflecting on the importance of staying connected with those who hold a special place in our hearts. I invite you to join me in making the holidays truly meaningful by sharing precious moments with your friends and family. Take time to strengthen family bonds, create lasting memories, and appreciate the wisdom and experiences of the older adults in your life.
Engaging in activities like listening to stories, cooking together, or simply sharing quiet moments reinforces the value of intergenerational relationships. These moments not only bring joy and laughter but also serve as a bridge between generations, fostering understanding and a sense of continuity.
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in our to-do lists and the festivities of the season. But the gift of time is most precious. I hope we can all slow down and prioritize the older adults in our lives in meaningful ways. Let us be present and attentive listeners, offer a helping hand, and express gratitude for the love and guidance they’ve provided us throughout the years.
I wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with love, connection, and cherished moments.
As we look ahead to 2024, I want to call your attention to our next conference collaboration:
The 2024 Southern Gerontological Society conference will be held April 2-6 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, S.C.
Abstract Submissions
Your abstracts for presentations are due at 11:59PM on Monday, January 8th! Apply here: https://southerngerontologicalsociety.org/meeting-abstracts.html
Conference Registration
Registration is open, with an early bird discount in effect through February 24. SPO members receive SGS member rates. SPO students receive the SGS student rate. Check out more conference-specific information, including the conference domains which are timely and relevant, on the conference page here: https://southerngerontologicalsociety.org/meeting.html
Other questions
Questions about the conference? Please call or email Amanda James at
866.920.4660 or admin@southerngerontologicalsociety.org
Awards
Both SPO and SGS have a variety of awards. The nominations deadlines extend into the new year. Learn about the SPO awards here: https://sigmaphiomega.org/awards/
Diane Martin, PhD
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Hello SPO Family!
Welcome to spring and the possibilities that come with it. As I look forward to soon digging in the dirt to plant my flowers and vegetables, I reflect on the seeds educators plant every day as we encourage our students and trainees to work in careers with and on behalf of older adults and families.
March 26 – April 1 is National Careers in Aging Week — the perfect time for students to learn about the rewarding opportunities an aging population offers to make an impact on society. We are living in unchartered waters — people are living longer than any time in human history.
We know the statistics that illustrate the need:
- Every day, 10,000 people celebrate their 65th birthday. By the end of this decade, all members of the baby boom generation (people born between 1946 and 1964) will be age 65 and older.
- Older adults will represent more than 20% of the American population, and some communities (rural areas, in particular) have already surpassed that percentage.
- By 2034 there will be more people aged 65 and older than under the age of 18.
- We will also experience an unprecedented 350% increase in the population aged 85 and older during the first half of the 21st century.
Though staggering to comprehend, we must remember that these figures represent our parents, grandparents, co-workers, friends, neighbors, and, yes, even our future selves.
Despite the rapid growth of our older adult population, there is a significant shortage of health and social care professionals trained in geriatrics and gerontology to meet the growing demand. This can lead to care and support based on stereotypical thinking about adults and their care needs, resulting in a decrease in quality of life and an increase in overall cost of care. In fact, recent research estimates the cost of ageism in healthcare at $63 billion annually.
As Gerontology students and professionals representing a host of academic disciplines and engaging with older adults and their families in myriad way, you have the knowledge and skills to positively impact others. I encourage you throughout Careers in Aging week and beyond to attend events and talk to others to share information about the important need for more people to choose a career in aging.
You can make a difference!
Diane Martin, PhD