Title: Chair's Corner
Author:
Section/SPIG: Aging & Public Health
Issue Date:
The fall is an important season for persons concerned with Gerontological Health. The APHA Annual Meeting in November, to be held in Washington, D.C., promises to be an exciting time since it happens just after the Presidential and Congressional elections. There will be opportunities to visit your representatives as well as hear from experts about the implications of the elections for elder health issues. The meetings also give us the opportunity to learn from our colleagues when they present information on their research and programs, to honor at our awards program those who have made outstanding contributions to the field, and to socialize and maybe buy some holiday gifts at the GHS reception and auction. These opportunities are detailed elsewhere in this newsletter, as well as in the Annual Meeting program.
The fall also offers a number of reminders. The flu season reminds us of the importance of primary prevention – whether it is in promoting access to flu shots or to healthy environments. Elections this fall will draw our attention to the impact of policy on health issues, starting with Medicare and prescription drugs, but extending to a whole range of policy issues that affect elder health. The holidays that the fall ushers in highlight the importance of social networks in elder health and caregiving. Traditionally, autumn is the harvest season, and I have heard many older persons talk about being in the time of life when they can enjoy the fruits of their lifelong activities in raising children and working. But being able to enjoy those later years depends on healthy aging, a situation that many of us work to promote.
We often get wrapped up in our daily work and lose sight of the issues and motivations that led us to focus on health and aging in our careers. So as you notice the gerontological health reminders of the fall season, take a minute to remind yourself about what your underlying passion is that motivates you in health and aging. Then take that renewed energy and focus to your work this fall, and share it with others at the Annual Meeting in November! Hope to see you there.