Hindsight 20/20: Looking Back for a Vision Forward in Gerontology

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• The Canadian Association on Gerontology (CAG) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021.
• CAG2021 was a virtual conference held from October 21-23, 2021, with 645 international delegates.
• The conference theme, "Hindsight 20/20: Looking Back for a Vision Forward in Gerontology," set the stage for discussions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on 50 years of gerontological advancements.
• To examine the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19 on older adults and the aging process.
• To advocate for enhanced justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) within the field of gerontology.

Main Methods:

• The article presents excerpts from opening and closing remarks at the CAG2021 conference.
• Discussions focused on gerontological research and its implications.
• The event served as a platform for sharing insights and future directions.

Main Results:

• The conference highlighted the significant and complex effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on aging populations.
• There was a recognized need to integrate JEDI principles more robustly into gerontological studies.
• The event fostered dialogue on past achievements and future trajectories in gerontology.

Conclusions:

• CAG2021 successfully convened a global forum to address critical issues in aging.
• The conference underscored the importance of a forward-looking approach to gerontology, emphasizing JEDI.
• Moving forward, gerontology must prioritize equitable and inclusive practices to address the needs of diverse aging populations.