American Psychological Association/Adult Development and Aging
The American Psychological Association as we know it today is structured as a collection of special interest divisions. When it was formed in 1945 at the end of WWII, it contained 19 charter divisions. Division 20, which turned out to be the first expansion division of APA, was formed by a group of psychologists who felt there was a need for a new division that dealt with adulthood and old age (Marsiske, 2008).
Those who belong to the APA's Division 20 represent psychologists with a wide range of interests that are related to aging, including direct service, academia and research. This division distributes a quarterly newsletter, which includes announcements of meetings, grant offers and jobs. It also has a publication that is directed towards students which details the mission of the division, lists its activities and databases and provides an online membership application (Adult Development and Aging, 2009).
People that are 65 years old and older are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. By the year 2030 it is estimated that older adults will make up 20% of our nation's people. And, although there is currently a broad range of exciting opportunities in psychological research and practice that focuses on older adults, there are not enough psychologists to keep up with this growing segment. Therefore there are many exciting opportunities for students in this field today (Geropsychology: It's YOUR Future, 2004).
The goal of the America Psychological Association's Committee on Aging (CONA) is to progress the field of psychology as a science and profession. Their goal is to promote human welfare by ensuring that older adults receive the attention of the American Psychological Association. CONA works toward the most constructive development of older adult's scientific understanding of adult development and aging, and the delivery of appropriate psychological services to older persons (Adult Development and Aging, 2009).
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