Dr. Ashley Ermer Gives Workshop at New Jersey Foundation for Aging Virtual Conference

On August 13-14, 2020, the New Jersey Foundation for Aging hosted a virtual conference entitled, “2020 Vision for Successful Aging.” The topics of the conference included health and caregiving, long-term care, ageism and elder abuse, the impact of climate change on older adults, stereotypes and stigmas, government policies, and senior immigrants.

Dr. Ashley Ermer, Assistant Professor in the Family Science and Human Development Department, presented the workshop, “Addressing Stereotypes,” with Dr. Katie York of Lifelong Montclair, and Katharine Mauro, also from Montclair State University. Their presentation description stated: “Communities can work toward becoming more age-friendly by attempting to change the culture surrounding beliefs on ageism and related stigmas. Presenters will show how intergenerational performing arts interventions may be a method to lessen age stereotypes among both the young and the old.”

Dr. Ermer’s research focuses on examining how the social environment matters for older adults, and she specializes in family gerontology, and close and romantic relationships during older adulthood.

New Jersey Foundation for Aging is the only statewide nonprofit organization focused solely on providing leadership in public policy and education to enable older adults to live with independence and dignity in their communities. In addition to its policy leadership role, NJFA produces the award-winning Aging Insights, a monthly half-hour TV program promoting dialogue on critical issues for older adults and caregivers. The show can be seen on more than 70 public-access stations and www.njfoundationforaging.org/aging-insights. NJFA also presents an annual conference offering development opportunities and best practices for professionals entrusted with caring for seniors.