Zarit Receives Award from Gerontological Society of America

Press Release - November 8, 2004

(University Park, Pa)- Dr. Steven Zarit, professor and head of the Penn State Department of Human Development and Family Studies, has received the 2004 M. Powell Lawton Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Zarit will be honored during GSA's 57th annual scientific meeting, which will take place November 19 to 23 in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Steven Zarit

GSA, founded in 1945, is the oldest and largest national multidisciplinary scientific organization devoted to the advancement of gerontological research. The society's principal missions are to promote research and education in aging and to encourage the dissemination of research results to other scientists, decision makers and practitioners.

The M. Powell Lawton Award, sponsored by the Polisher Research Institute of the Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life (formerly the Philadelphia Geriatric Center), is presented annually to an individual whose applied research has led to an innovation in gerontological treatment, practice or service, prevention, amelioration of symptoms or barriers or a public policy change that has led to some practical application that improves the lives of older persons. It is named in memory of M. Powell Lawton for his outstanding contributions to applied gerontological research.

Focusing on mental health issues of older adults, Dr. Zarit's pioneering work in caregiving has revolutionized the field of dementia care. His research and writings are often credited with drawing national attention to the difficulties faced by families providing care to an older relative with dementia, and his research and advocacy have been largely responsible for propelling caregiving issues into the national policy arena and mass media spotlight.

In addition to this award, Zarit has received the Senator John Heinz Memorial Award from the National Council on Aging; the Distinguished Mentorship Award from the Behavioral and Social Sciences Section of GSA; the Scientific Research Award from the Jonkoping (Sweden) City Council; the Apple of Knowledge Award from the University of Health Sciences in Jonkoping; the Penn State Award for Academic Integration; and the Evan G. and Helen G. Pattishall Award from the College of Health and Human Development. He was also the first recipient of the M. Powell Lawton Distinguished Contribution Award for Applied Gerontology that is given annually by the Adult Development and Aging Division of the American Psychological Association.

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Editors: Dr. Zarit can be reached at (814) 865-5260 or z67@psu.edu. For additional information, please contact Bill Hessert, director of college relations for the College of Health and Human Development, at (814) 863-4325 or swh4@psu.edu.