Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting 2015
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 from more than 50 countries—is to advance the study of aging and to disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public. Founded in 1945, GSA is the driving force behind advancing innovation in aging, playing an instrumental role in establishing the National Institute on Aging and shaping the agenda for every White House Conference on Aging.
The GSA 68th Annual Scientific Meeting in 2015 brought together more than 4000 of the brightest minds in the field of aging. Attendees participated in over 450 scientific sessions, including symposia, paper, and poster presentations.
The 2015 theme was “Aging as a Lifelong Process,” which highlights the fact that gerontologists study the cumulative outcome of lifelong events that culminate during old age. These effects, which can begin at the earliest stage of fetal development, encompass biology, social interactions, historical events, psychological experiences, and public policy.
The conference theme challenged researchers to highlight possible consequences of early life effects on aging, be it through biomedical events, nutrition, socioeconomic status, educational opportunities, stressful life experiences, or social relationships.
Importance of Nurse Delegation Practices in Assisted Living Facilities
One of the sessions presented an analysis of data from 246 AL communities that varied in delegation practices, examining the relationships between nursing-related service availability, delegation status, and outcomes.
Implementing Continence Care Guidelines Improves Care in a Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit
A team of researchers presented a study that evaluated the implementation of guidelines and strategies for managing continence into clinical practice on a geriatric rehab unit.
Power-Training Improves Muscle Activation and Walking Speed in Mobility-Limited Older Individuals
Investigators from the University of Southern Denmark and the University of Pittsburgh presented findings from a study of mobility-limited older individuals participating in the Healthy Ageing Network of Competences (HANC) study.
Effects of Community Characteristics on the Risk of Institutionalization Among Older Patients
A new study was presented by researchers that used 2010 Nevada state hospital discharge data to assess individual characteristics and US Census data summarized at the ZIP code level to approximate community characteristics.
The Long-Term Effects of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Cognitive Aging
Researchers from Chile and Germany investigated the role of DMT2 on cognitive functioning, drawing on the older of two birth cohorts (1930-1932) from the Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study of Adult Age.
