Written by Dr. Katie Ehlman, Director of Gerontology and Director, Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness
When deciding on the theme for this first issue of USI’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) newsletter, our team kept returning to the theme of “innovation.” One of the exciting elements of the USI GWEP is its innovative partnerships and projects.
The USI GWEP has formal partnerships with Deaconess Clinic, Deaconess Medical Residency Program, SWIRCA & More, Generations and the Greater Indiana and Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Alzheimer’s Association chapters. Additionally, students, current healthcare professionals and community members engage in various activities of the GWEP. I believe that bringing diverse groups and individuals together creates a shared space ripe for innovation.
The bOLDer Bulletin will be published once every three months, and each issue will have a different theme. Each issue will also discuss a variety of programs affiliated with the GWEP.
The United States Census Bureau estimates that, by 2030, one-fifth of the total population of the United States will be aged 65 years and older, with that number increasing to one-fourth by 2060. By disseminating information about the GWEP, we hope to continue to add on to the foundation of healthy aging and inspire innovation for the future on the topic of healthy aging. Perhaps physicist William Pollard stated this concept best when he stated, “Learning and innovation go hand in hand.” By sharing news from the GWEP, we hope to embOLDen innovation for the future.
