VCU news

By Anne Dreyfuss
C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research

In a recent conversation with the chair of the Department of Gerontology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Allied Health Professions graduate student Catherine Macdonald mentioned that she had been traveling to Washington and Boston to attend events hosted by Aging 2.0. The global organization aims to accelerate innovation that will improve the lives of older adults around the world. Macdonald, who will graduate in May with a master’s degree in gerontology, was attracted to the group’s events that showcase new inventions created for older people.

“I am very interested in technology, innovation and aging,” Macdonald said.

So when the department chair, Ayn Welleford, Ph.D., suggested to Macdonald that she get involved with the newly launched Richmond chapter of Aging 2.0, the graduate student jumped at the opportunity.

Macdonald played a key role in organizing the first Aging 2.0 Richmond event, titled “Caregiving, Transportation and Housing,” which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening at the Depot on West Broad Street. At the event, six age network professionals, including VCU alumni, will pitch their original ideas and products in the field of aging. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winning pitches.

“Technology and innovation are important parts of the future of aging in our society,” Macdonald said. “A huge number of people are entering into what we have always considered a very specific phase of life and we are starting to reimagine what that looks like.”

Older Americans accounted for more than 14 percent of the U.S. population in 2013, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. By 2040 that number is expected to grow to nearly 22 percent. The local entrepreneurs who will present at the pitch event this evening will showcase products that aim to meet the needs of that growing market of consumers.

Technology and innovation are important parts of the future of aging in our society.

Macdonald, who returned to VCU last year after graduating in 2010 with a degree in mass communications from what is now the Robertson School of Media and Culture, says that she was drawn to the VCU Department of Gerontology because of the department’s concentration on creative thinking. “The VCU Department of Gerontology emphasizes fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and the faculty encourages creativity,” she said.

Now nearing the end of the graduate program, Macdonald says faculty from the department helped teach her how to think creatively as a gerontologist and connected her with local organizations such as Aging 2.0 that will further her career after graduation. The 27-year-old has already accepted a full-time position with Senior Connections, which is a local nonprofit that offers a range of home and community-based services for older adults, caregivers and persons with disabilities in the Greater Richmond region. She credits the Department of Gerontology with setting her up with that job.

“The Department of Gerontology is focused on making connections for their students,” Macdonald said. “They get to know you and they get to know what you’re interested in and they use that to help place you with an employer.” 

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