How did your interests in ageing begin, and why?
I worked as a care assistant in an older people’s
home during school holidays. I enjoyed the company of older people in
the home and learnt a lot from them.
What are your key areas of interest, and why?
- Environmental gerontology; as a geographer I’m interested in space, place and distance.
- Caregiving; in particular how women juggle work and family life and how they are treated in the workplace.
- Policy issues; probably because I feel committed to research being applied and influencing policy.
- Social work with older people; when I started
in social work there was very little written on social work with older
people so it has been fascinating to see how this area of research and
practice has developed. Again I’m keen to see closer synergies between
research and practice in this area- we have a long way to go!
Please can you briefly outline your career?
Following a geography degree at Aberystwyth
University I moved to Sweden to study at the International Graduate
School at Stockholm University. Returning to the UK I trained at Barnett
House in Oxford and qualified as a social worker and worked in an adult
services team. I always wanted to pursue research and when the
opportunity arose to undertake an ESRC funded PhD I jumped at the
chance. This took me to the University of East Anglia in Norwich where
following my PhD I became a research associate, before moving to the
Centre for Social Gerontology at Keele University. In 2004, being aware
of the possibilities of working closely with the Welsh Assembly
Government, I moved back to Wales to set up the Centre for Innovative
Ageing at Swansea University.
What's been the biggest change in ageing research since you started?
The recognition of gerontology as an important area of study and consequent increase in research funding.
How did you become interested in the BSG?
My practice PhD supervisor recommended I attend
the conference in Glasgow (85?) and I enjoyed the experience so much I
joined the society.
What do you want to achieve as President of BSG?
There are 4 main areas:
- Further increasing the visibility of gerontology and achieving wider recognition of the discipline
- Building capacity through initiatives to engage emerging researchers in ageing
- Securing sponsorship to develop a permanent secretariat
- Strengthen our links with other societies and networks
What do you like best about your work?
Representing BSG at different fora and advancing the agenda of the society.
What do you like least about your work?
Excessive email each week.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
My father always told me ‘Never give up’. Ymdrech a Llwyddfa!
What is your favourite film, and why?
The Sound of Music – it brings back childhood memories!
What three things would you take to a desert island with you, and why?
Vine stock so I can grow my own grapes. My hiking boots and all the utensils and ingredients to make afternoon tea!
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