We envision three categories of potential products for this project that might inform and inspire public discourse, guide change in public policy, and stimulate change in our core institutions.
The first of these includes basic and translational research. One basic product of this category, for example, will be the new population projections for the United States, as mentioned previously. These projections will provide a very useful basis for much of the Network's work, and will also be of great interest to policy makers.
The second category contains policy formulations that are empirically-piloted and evidence-based, and policy dialogues with various stakeholders. For instance, we might develop an intermediate series of position papers on critical issues, written by group members or commissioned. Such a series of ''white papers'' could include an initial piece outlining our conceptualization of an Aging Society, followed by specific papers on such topics as intergenerational relations, workforce, retirement, volunteerism, meaningful roles for the elderly, international comparisons, and the like.
The third category relates to educational and outreach programs that will inform the public about current facts and likely scenarios, as well as ways to transform these scenarios to better suit the public's needs. This category might include such products as a major documentary film for public television, or perhaps a series of programs that would each highlighting specific principal findings and recommendations of the project.
Further Information on Dr. Laura Carstensen speaks about the great potential of an aging society and how elected officials must prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. |
Policies and Politics for an Aging America |
Facts and Fictions About an Aging America |
The Benefits of Risk Factor Precention in Americans Aged 51 Years and Older
Dana P. Goldman, Yuhui Zheng, Federico Girosi, Pierre-Carl Michaud, S. Jay Olshansky, David Cutler, and John W. Rowe. |
Examining the Implications of an Aging Society Strengthening Policy through Research, MacArthur Foundation Newsletter, Summer 2009, Volume 1 |
The Milbank Quarterly, Vol. 87, No. 4, 2009 (pp. 842-862) |
Investing Over the Life Course: A Winning Strategy by John Rowe and Lisa Berkman
(Rowe, John W., and Lisa Berkman. "Investing Over the Life Course: A Winning Strategy." Weblog post. The Huffington Post. 2 June 2009.
