By Vincent Lim
More than 100 scholars convened for a three-day discussion about the health of aging Hispanic populations in the United States, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, as part of the 2012 International Conference on Aging in the Americas hosted by the USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging at the USC School of Social Work.
“We’re very happy to have you here in the context of the fact that we are an institute that is named after one of the great names in the history of the United States in Latino health and Latino aging,” William Vega, executive director of the USC Roybal Institute, told participants.
The September conference, timed to coincide with National Hispanic Heritage Month, focused primarily on issues related to research methodology, but speakers acknowledged the need to facilitate the translation of scientific findings to practical application.
“Much of our research sometimes struggles to find its import for pragmatic changes in prevention and the promotion of health and health care,” Vega said. “My urging is always to bring it closer to the action level: Think in advance when you write your research up, where are you trying to go with this in terms of where it will bring about change and influence policy?”