The Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America was held in Indianapolis, IN from November 2-6. At the premier scientific meeting on aging research, two LSU doctoral students, Alisha Thompson and Kristina Little, along with Dr. Youn Kyoung "Lily" Kim, Associate Professor, were recognized as poster session honorees for their poster entitled Factors Impacting Emergency Preparedness Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Officers of the Social Research, Policy and Practice (SRPP) section of the Gerontological Society of America selected their poster as a top-ten finalist for the 2022 SRPP Outstanding Poster Award.

The poster created by Thompson, Little and Dr. Kim analyzed cross-sectional data obtained from the National Poll on Healthy Aging to compare factors associated with emergency preparedness among older adults aged 60-69 (n=383) and those 70+ (n=370). Results showed that among all older adults, having previously discussed evacuation plans was associated with a higher level of emergency preparedness. Among those aged 60-69, the experience of an emergency in the past year was associated with a higher level of emergency preparedness, while living alone and having a Hispanic background were associated with a lower level of emergency preparedness. For those older than 70, higher perceived mental health was associated with a higher level of emergency preparedness. Implications focus on shifting the perspective of the disproportional risks for older adults around emergencies to one that values and supports older adults’ strengths and insights.

The Gerontological Society of America is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. GSA’s principal mission — and that of our 5,500 members — is to promote the study of aging and disseminate information to scientists, decision makers, and the general public. Founded in 1945, GSA is the driving force behind advancing innovation in aging — both domestically and internationally. Our members come from more than 50 countries. To further fulfill our mission, GSA assembles nearly 4,000 professionals from around the world to an Annual Scientific Meeting. GSA publishes the field’s preeminent peer-reviewed journals. 

About SSW

The LSU School of Social Work (SSW) aspires to be a leading school of social work, a vibrant center of intellectual development, a leader in promoting and supporting diverse communities, and an advocate for an integrated and inclusive model of social work, all within a learning environment that supports best educational practices. The SSW offers Child and Family Studies (CFS) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) undergraduate degrees, MSW, online MSW, and PhD. SSW is part of the College of Human Sciences and Education. 

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