Many of you know I'm a social media denizen, so it probably comes as no surprise that I keep a close eye on what's trending in the Twittersphere. One of my favorite trending topics in 2019 was the rise of a new hashtag for our field: #ThisIsGeriatrics.
It's worth perusing some of the related posts, not only because they highlight significant milestones from a year when geriatrics really excelled but also because they speak to a deeper part of who our professionals are, what they aspire to accomplish, and how they are improving care for us all as we age. The posts also got me thinking about what geriatrics really "is."
We're fortunate to have an abundance of answers.
When I think back on all the work we do--and all the work you've helped us accomplish--at the AGS Health in Aging Foundation, I'm reminded that #ThisIsGeriatrics. More than 900 AGS members and friends of the AGS Health in Aging Foundation have supported our work this year, and your donations went a long way:
- We were able to provide travel stipends for nearly 100 trainees to attend the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, a premier educational event for the current and aspiring professionals who will care for us all as we age.
- We continued our tradition of recognizing leaders in the field with awards like those recently named in honor of Arti Hurria, Thomas & Catherine Yoshikawa, and Jeffrey H. Silverstein, as well as the AGS Health in Aging Foundation New Investigator Awards.
- We launched a newly redesigned HealthinAging.org, which is helping us reach thousands of older adults and caregivers with the expertise they need to make the most of health, safety, and independence.
But what geriatrics is doesn't end there. There is a personal story behind every facet of our work, and #ThisIsGeriatrics, too. So in the spirit of the season of giving, we'd like to share and celebrate several of those stories over the next few weeks. Be on the lookout for updates in the days ahead. We're proud of what we've accomplished with your help, because #ThisIsGeriatrics...and it's made possible thanks to people like you.
Best regards,
Nancy