Social Research, Policy, and Practice
Clara Scher, LMSW, MSc (she/her/hers)
Graduate Assistant
School of Social Work
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Emily Greenfield, PhD (she/her/hers)
Professor of Social Work
Social Work
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Rodney Harrell, PhD
Vice President
Public Policy Institute
AARP
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Emily Greenfield, PhD (she/her/hers)
Professor of Social Work
Social Work
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Laura Keyes, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers)
Senior Lecturer
Public Administration
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas, United States
Elana Kieffer, MBA (she/her/hers)
Director, Center for Healthy Aging
Center for Healthy Aging
The New York Academy of Medicine
New York City, New York, United States
Susan Silberman, PhD (she/her/hers)
Senior Director, Programs Research & Evaluation
Research & Evaluation
National Council on Aging
Arlington, Virginia, United States
This symposium will feature ways in which gerontologists are advancing the development of online, interactive mapping tools on aging. Utilizing GIS mapping technology and leveraging cross-sectoral partnerships, the speakers will present case illustrations of efforts to develop aging-focused mapping tools that aggregate data sources at the municipal, state, and national levels to advance a spatial awareness of supports for older adults across diverse communities. First, as an example from the nonprofit sector, the New York Academy of Medicine will present on IMAGE:NYC, The Interactive Map of Aging. This presentation will describe the utility of this tool for policymakers, planners, researchers, and social service providers. Representing work from within the academic sector, the Rutgers School of Social Work will describe an academic-public sector partnership to adapt the IMAGE:NYC map for two counties in New Jersey. Next, presenters from the University of North Texas will describe their partnership with the City of San Antonio to develop an intelligent demand responsive transportation system for older adults and individuals with disabilities. This project involves the use of GIS mapping tools and qualitative research methods to identify place-based transportation gaps and strategies for improvement. Focusing on the national level, the National Council on Aging will describe its work developing mapping tools, including a map that displays area-level rates in eligibility gaps for three federal benefit programs. With an orientation to aging equity, these tools hold promise for fostering inclusive and healthy communities where older adults of diverse intersectional socio-spatial positions can age well.
This is an Environmental Gerontology Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Emily A. Greenfield, PhD (she/her/hers) – Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Laura M. Keyes, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers) – University of North Texas
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Elana F. Kieffer, MBA (she/her/hers) – The New York Academy of Medicine
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Susan Silberman, PhD (she/her/hers) – National Council on Aging