October 7, 2023 | Jorge Concha Tagle, McDonnell Scholar
The Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at the Institute for Public Health and the McDonnell International Scholars Academy hosted an engaging workshop aimed at advancing understanding and promoting age inclusivity. The Center, housed at Washington University in St. Louis, is at the forefront of addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population. Its mission is to promote healthy aging, empower older adults, and eliminate ageism through innovative research, education, and community engagement initiatives. With an additional focus on DEI, the center strives to create a world where everyone can age with dignity and vitality.
McDonnell Scholar
Master of Business Administration student at Olin Business School
Nancy Morrow-Howell, the distinguished main speaker of the workshop, is a renowned expert in the field of social work and aging. She currently serves as the Bettie Bofinger Brown Distinguished Professor of Social Policy at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. With a vast body of research and a commitment to improving the lives of older adults, Morrow-Howell is a leading voice in the Center. Her work encompasses diverse areas such as social engagement, productive aging, and the well-being of older adults.
The workshop included a dynamic 30-minute round table session, where attendees representing a wide range of backgrounds, including PhDs in social work, and biomedical engineering, physicians, and MBAs, among others, including Chancellor Emeritus Mark S. Wrighton, one of the founders of McDonnell Academy, gathered to share their perspectives on aging. The diverse group engaged in fruitful discussions, addressing various aspects of aging, and exploring the intersections of their expertise and experiences.
Aging: Challenges, Research Advancements, and Inclusivity
The workshop concluded with three enlightening presentations from key speakers who shed light on critical topics related to aging:
Jorge Llibre-Guerra, assistant professor of neurology at the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis,discussed Alzheimer’s disease and advancements in research in this area, emphasizing its implications for the aging population. His presentation covered topics such as Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials and the global distribution of dementia clinical trials, offering valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to combat this challenging condition.
Seok Joo Youn, a McDonnell Scholar from Seoul National University and a sociocultural anthropology PhD student, focused on the unique challenges facing an aging population in Korea, one of the fastest-aging countries globally. She explored the cultural aspects of end-of-life care, particularly how elderly men use family and non-family caregiver resources to provide adequate care for their wives. She presented a comprehensive analysis of the various types of relationships and interactions involved, including children, paid care workers, and medical practitioners.
Natalie Galucia, manager of the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging, presented on the mission of the National Center to Reframing Aging and its partnership with Frameworks, a nonprofit think tank. She highlighted the challenges of ageism and the importance of addressing implicit bias and stereotypes in society. Her presentation called for a shift in the narrative surrounding aging, advocating for a more inclusive and positive perspective.
The workshop proved to be a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration in the field of aging. It underscored the importance of research, education, and advocacy in promoting age inclusivity and ensuring that older adults can lead fulfilling and dignified lives.
For more information about the Center Harvey Friedman for Aging and its mission, please visit the Harvey Friedman Center for Aging. To learn more about the main speaker, Nancy Morrow-Howell, please visit her biography here.
About the Center Harvey Friedman for Aging
The Center Harvey Friedman for Aging, based at Washington University in St. Louis, is dedicated to research, education, and advocacy in the field of aging. With a mission to enhance the well-being of older adults and eliminate ageism, the center engages in innovative initiatives that promote healthy aging and age inclusivity.