The award presentation will take place at GSA's 57th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 19th-23rd, 2004 in Washington, DC. The actual conferral will occur on Monday the 23rd at 1:30 p.m. in the Wilson B-M room of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The meeting is organized to foster interdisciplinary interactions among gerontological health care clinical, administrative, and research professionals.
Focusing on mental health issues of older adults, Dr. Zarit's pioneering work in caregiving has revolutionized the field of dementia care. His research and writings are often credited with drawing national attention to the difficulties faced by families providing care to an older relative with dementia. His research and advocacy have been largely responsible for propelling caregiving issues into the national policy arena and mass media spotlight.
The award is named in memory of M. Powell Lawton for his outstanding contributions to applied gerontological research. It also honors an individual for exemplifying one or more of Lawton's outstanding professional and personal qualities. The winner traditionally presents a lecture at the Annual Scientific Meeting the following year. The award is sponsored by the Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life's Polisher Research Institute.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), founded in 1945, is the oldest and largest national multidisciplinary scientific organization devoted to the advancement of gerontological research. Its membership includes some 5,000+ researchers, educators, practitioners, and other professionals in the field of aging. The Society's principal missions are to promote research and education in aging and to encourage the dissemination of research results to other scientists, decision makers, and practitioners.
Information about the Gerontological Society of America, its awards, and its 57th Annual Scientific Meeting can be found online at http://www.geron.org.