By Vincent Lim
Spawned from discussions with Mexico’s National Institute of Geriatrics (INGer) about shared research interests, the Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging at the USC School of Social Work conceived the idea of organizing an event that would foster greater dialogue about social networks and the transformation of social and health services from a global perspective.
The idea came to fruition at the International Workshop on Social Support for Older Adults, which was held over two days in Mexico City and brought together scholars from the United States, Mexico and China. The event identified potential areas of research collaboration to advance knowledge and practice through more effective coordination of formal services to support systems of the aging.
The workshop was sponsored by its co-hosts—the USC Roybal Institute and INGer—along with Mexico’s National Council on Science and Technology and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.
The embassy supported the event as part of the U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation and Research. Established by President Barack Obama and Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto, the initiative aims to increase academic, technical and scientific exchange between the two nations and further contribute to economic development in North America. It is spearheaded by Mexico’s Ministry of Education and National Council for Science and Technology and by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education.