Mortimer Powell Lawton (1923–2001) was an American psychologist who was known for his work on the psychological and social aspects of aging.[1]
Lawton was born in Atlanta and received his undergraduate degree from Haverford College in 1947 and his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Columbia University in 1952.[2]
Lawton began his career as the chief psychologist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.[2]
Lawton held academic positions at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.[2]
In the early 1960s, he conducted research on the design of living spaces for older adults, including those with Alzheimer's disease.[2] His work influenced the services provided at the Philadelphia Geriatric Center and elder care practices in the United States.[2]
Lawton served as the editor-in-chief of The Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics and was a fellow of the American Psychological Association, where he also served as the president of its division focused on adult development and aging.[2] He was a founding editor of the journal Psychology and Aging.[1] Colleagues dedicated a book to him titled The Many Dimensions of Aging, which explores various aspects of his work.[3] [4]
M. Powell Lawton Award is named after him.[5]