Partners

Partner Profiles


E. Ayn Welleford

Name: E. Ayn Welleford, MSG, Ph.D.

Title: Chair & Associate Professor, Dept. of Gerontology

Company/Organization: Virginia Commonwealth University

ODP Partner Since: Fall 2008

ODP Committee Affiliation: Civic Engagement

Summarize your professional background relevant to Age Wave preparedness.

I began my career in Gerontology as a CNA. I can't imagine a better place to raise one's awareness about the needs of our elders and the needs of those who provide care. While pursuing my Master's Degree in Gerontology and my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, I tried on many hats before finding myself in the academic role where I discovered that I could combine all the things that I love: education, research, advocacy, community engagement. My daily mission in the Department of Gerontology at VCU is "Improving Eldercare through Education."

What expertise or other strengths do you bring to the Older Dominion Partnership?

I self identify as a Developmental Gerontologist, my skills are in educating others about optimal aging across the lifespan. An enormous component of my effort in educational gerontology is raising awareness and advocating for positive attitudes about aging.

What do you believe are the most pressing issues in Age Wave-preparedness in Virginia today?

I believe that lack of gerontological education and poor support for existing informal care are the most pressing issues. Informal care makes up the majority of our existing eldercare support services. Without this, our system would no longer function. How do we recognize, support, and expand on existing systems that are working? How do we educate elders (and elders in training) and informal and formal care providers to better prepare us all for an optimal late life.

What advice do you have for age wave planning in Virginia?

Listen! Partner! Plan!