The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and its educational organization, the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, have unveiled new and forthcoming resources for Careers in Aging Week, taking place from March 3 to 9, 2019. Joining GSA for the first time in promoting this event are the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), Argentum, and LeadingAge.
People are living longer and populations are aging worldwide. The demand for professionals with expertise in aging is growing rapidly. Careers in Aging Week is celebrated at businesses, clinics, coalitions, organizations, universities, and other institutions around the world — where activities will provide important information about the wide range of professions in the field of aging and aging research, raise awareness about older populations and their needs, and inform students and the public of the many academic programs available to get one started on a career path.
“Regardless of the career path that one chooses, demographic trends in the U.S. indicate that a high number of the people you serve are likely to be older adults,” said GSA CEO James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH. “The possibilities of careers in aging are limitless, and we are proud to join with new partners to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow.”
GSA has prepared a video preview of the 2019 social media awareness campaign, in which various organizations will share their plans for raising awareness of careers in aging.
“Raising awareness about the many career opportunities available in our field is crucial to addressing the current workforce crisis in aging services,” said LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan. “Workforce is the single most challenging issue facing providers today. We’re thrilled to be a part of this important effort.”
Coming soon, watch for “The Real Faces of Careers in Aging” — vignettes of individual interviews taken with a range of professionals in the field of aging. They will be released via social media throughout Careers in Aging Week.
“AHCA/NCAL is proud to participate in Careers in Aging Week and encourage our members to showcase the incredible opportunities available in long term and post-acute care,” said AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson. “Staffing is one of our profession’s biggest challenges, and it’s a priority for us to continue to build resources and spread awareness to help providers attract and retain qualified, dedicated caregivers.”
And participants are invited to share selfies from their events as well. Snap a photo of your office, your classroom, your clinic, your business, or your lab. Describe your career in aging on social media using #careersinaging19 or email [email protected].
“This is a critically important time for us to work together to help shape the future of senior living,” said Argentum President and CEO James Balda. “Sharing the limitless possibilities of what a career in aging can offer will help to build a caring, compassionate, and dedicated workforce.”
Visit careersinaging.com to view the available resources and learn more about how to participate.
About GSA
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 5,500+ 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 organization, the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education.
About Argentum
Argentum is the leading national association exclusively dedicated to supporting companies operating professionally managed, resident-centered senior living communities and the older adults and families they serve. Argentum member companies operate senior living communities offering assisted living, independent living, continuing care, and memory care services to older adults and their families. Argentum’s work is driven by its membership. For more information about joining Argentum in its mission to raise the bar of excellence in senior living, please visit argentum.org/membership. Since 1990, Argentum has advocated for choice, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all older adults. Learn more at argentum.org.
About AHCA/NCAL
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 13,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit ahca.org or ncal.org.
About LeadingAge
The mission of LeadingAge is to be the trusted voice for aging. Its 6,000+ members and partners include nonprofit organizations representing the entire field of aging services, 38 state associations, hundreds of businesses, consumer groups, foundations, and research centers. LeadingAge is also a part of the Global Ageing Network, whose membership spans 30 countries. LeadingAge is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization focused on education, advocacy, and applied research.
