Aging Across America
February 4, 2013 – March 15, 2013
The University will host the exhibit, Aging Across America, a series of photographs by geriatrician and acclaimed photographer, Jeffrey Levine, MD, at the Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HS/HSL) Frieda O. Weise Gallery from February 4 to March 15, 2013. The exhibit, supported by a grant from MetLife Foundation and sponsored by the Global Alliance for Arts and Health in Washington, D.C., will visit six teaching hospitals across the U.S. The exhibit at HSHSL is sponsored by the library and the campus’ Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research Program of The Graduate School.
“The exhibit calls to attention the demographic and medical aspects of aging that are not high on society’s agenda. This includes the need for growth in several aging-related fields such as geriatric medicine, nursing, and social work,” says Levine, attending physician at Beth Israel Medical Center – Petrie Division and assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in New York City.
An educational program on the aging population and how to grow old successfully will accompany the exhibit.
“The photographs in Aging Across America serve as a necessary reminder of the presence of older adults in this country—documenting the health issues and stigmatization they face while also providing a stunning record of their vitality and diversity,” says Anita Boles, MPA, executive director of Global Alliance. “By embracing these complexities, the show exemplifies how art forces us to interrogate our own ideas and perceptions. It is our belief that the images will spark conversations rooted in compassion that lead to action.”
Levine also will present a lecture emphasizing the importance of humanistic medicine at HS/HSL on Feb. 19. The lecture, Aging Across America: A Personal Perspective, will be held in the Gladhill Board Room at 4 p.m. A reception will be held in the Gallery following the lecture.
“This demographic change is unparalleled in history,” says Levine. “We’ve never had so many people in this age range. That’s a result of public hygiene, elimination of many contagious diseases, as well as medical advances and awareness of healthy habits. They’ve brought us a longer lifespan—now we have to deal with that. I hope my exhibit will serve as a starting point for discussion.”
Levine has practiced geriatrics in New York City (NYC) for the past 25 years. He also has studied at the International Center of Photography, the Art Students League, and the School of Visual Arts in NYC. Now on his second exhibit tour, Levine’s photographs have been featured in textbooks and journals and are part of permanent collections across the country.
For more information, visit www.levinemdphotos.com.
