The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) — the nation's largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — has chosen Hans-Werner Wahl, PhD, of the University of Heidelberg to receive the 2009 M. Powell Lawton Award.
The distinction recognizes a significant contribution in gerontology that has led to an innovation in gerontological treatment, practice or service, prevention, amelioration of symptoms or barriers, or a public policy change that has led to some practical application that improves the lives of older persons.
The award presentation will take place at GSA's 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 18 to 22, 2009, in Atlanta, GA. This conference is organized to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, educators, and practitioners who specialize in the study of the aging process. Visit www.geron.org/am for further details.
Wahl currently serves as a professor at the Institute of Psychology within the Department of Psychological Aging Research at the University of Heidelberg. He has made contributions in at least three major areas related to improving the lives of older people – environmental gerontology, adaptation to low vision resulting from old age, and independence and autonomy issues in old age.
He was a key member of the international team on project ENABLE-AGE, which improved policy in many European countries in terms of the role of physical environments for quality of life in old age. Wahl's in-depth empirical research has led to a better understanding of the psychosocial consequences of vision loss, particularly macular degeneration. He has also increased understanding of how socio-physical environments can support or inhibit independent functioning in care environments — with the major goals of reducing excess disability and enhancing successful aging in these places.
Wahl is a GSA fellow, which represents the Society's highest class of membership.
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) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society — and its 5,200+ members — is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public. GSA's structure also includes a policy institute, the National Academy on an Aging Society, and an educational branch, the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education.