Be sure to read the front page article by IPA President Helen Chiu and
President-Elect Masatoshi Takeda. In it, they describe the start of an important
initiative for IPA. As they so aptly describe, with the rate and breadth of
change in the world, IPA also needs to evolve and transform itself into a more
proactive organization. Indeed, several factors were identified by the
leadership: the demographic imperative of an aging population worldwide;
advances in information technology; changes in professional organizations with
consolidation and bridging to one another; funding changes and economic
volatility and increasing demand for volunteer time, especially in leadership
roles. Regarding funding changes, the diminishing support from pharmaceutical
companies, competition for resource allocation and emerging markets are
noteworthy developments. All of these factors will have impact on IPA
initiatives and IPA members; thus a proactive plan to clarify and sharpen IPA’s
focus and fine tune our organizational operations is vital. Our leaders will be
soliciting your feedback and input as we enter a new era of organizational
transformation. Be sure to let us know what you think.
I note that this issue of the Bulletin reflects the diverse, yet
highly relevant, developments in psychogeriatrics around the world. Our authors
span the globe and have contributed superb articles to inform us of developments
and imperatives in the field. I find these informative updates and reports truly
fascinating. We have a glimpse of what’s happening and what common goals and
challenges we share. It is a small world after all, isn’t it?
Finally, let me add my welcome to our new slate of IPA Directors. This is a
talented group of our colleagues who will serve us well. I will look forward to
having each new Board Member contribute to the Bulletin to share his view
of Psychogeriatrics. Stay tuned.
Reprinted from IPA Bulletin, Volume 26, Number 3
Copyright 2012 International Psychogeriatric Association
By David G. Folks