M. Powell Lawton Explained

Mortimer Powell Lawton (1923–2001) was an American psychologist who was known for his work on the psychological and social aspects of aging.[1]

Early life and education

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]

Career

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]

Recognition

M. Powell Lawton Award is named after him.[5]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. M. Powell Lawton (1923-2001). . Psychology and Aging . March 2001 . 16 . 1 . 30–30 . 10.1037/h0087879.
  2. Web site: Dr. M. Powell Lawton, 77, Expert on the Elderly. Wolfgang. Saxon. February 5, 2001. NYTimes.com.
  3. Maddox . George L. . M. Powell Lawton: Honoring a Career and a Life . The Gerontologist . 1 February 2001 . 41 . 1 . 129–130 . 10.1093/geront/41.1.129.
  4. Tesch-Römer . Clemens . Legacy of a Multifaceted Gerontologist . Contemporary Psychology . December 2002 . 47 . 6 . 718–719 . 10.1037/001284.
  5. Web site: M. Powell Lawton Award. www.geron.org.