[SustainableTompkins] Lecture at CU: Impact of the age wave in relation to natural resources and environmental quality

[Stephen Nicholson]

Karl Pillemer asked me to post this:






The Bronfenbrenner Life Course Center
Fall 2006 Colloquia Series

presents

         UNDERSTANDING AND ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND RISK IN
AGING COHORTS:
NEW PERSPECTIVES AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR GERONTOLOGY

Scott D. Wright
Associate Professor
Director, Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program, Center on Aging
University of Utah
While discussion has begun on the pervasive economic, social, and
political effects of an aging society, there has been little discussion
about the impact of the age wave in relation to natural resources and
environmental quality.  We also know very little about the specific
effects of external (i.e., hazards outside and beyond the home)
environmental hazards on older adults that are socially vulnerable due
to, e.g., living alone, low economic status, living in higher crime rate
areas, membership in race/ethnic group, suffering chronic health
conditions, and/or residing in institutional settings.  This
presentation will specifically examine ecological impact and social
vulnerability in the context of the New West (intermountain west and
southwestern states) where rapid population growth, especially
associated with in-migration of retired older adults, is projected to
continue with aging baby-boomers. However, the implications of the
issues are relevant to all geographic regions of the U.S. Issues of
environmental quality, growth and development, preservation and
sustainability, and exposure to environmental hazards form a matrix for
understanding public health issues into the 21st century.  Specific
examples of environmental impact due to demographic aging are presented
in the context of the proliferation of retirement and gateway
communities in the New West. Environmental hazards resulting in
place-based risk for socially vulnerable older adults using Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) mapping and analysis (and GPS) and potential
mitigation strategies are presented for a metropolitan area in the New
West. The applications can be used for almost any region and specific
geographic area in the U.S. 




Friday, September 22, 2006 1:00-2:30pm
153 MVR Hall, Cornell University Campus
Refreshments will be served
Carrie Chalmers
Administrative Support
Bronfenbrenner Life Course Center
Cornell University
Surge 1, 2nd Floor
Ithaca, NY 14853-4401

p: 607.254.4336
f: 607.254.2903
e: cc284 at cornell.edu
www.blcc.cornell.edu <http://www.blcc.cornell.edu/>