To coincide with ASA’s Membership Celebration, and feature people who represent the depth and breadth of what we do, we asked 5 ASA members to answer 5 questions. This is the fifth profile in the series.
5 Questions for Cassandra Burton
Age 54, Cassandra Burton is a senior research advisor and subject matter expert at AARP, has been in the field of aging for 22 years, and in research for almost 30 years. A bit fuzzy on exactly when she first joined ASA, she knows it was to attend a conference, where, at the airport she ran into her former Research Methods professor from Howard University. He, too, was attending the On Aging conference and they chatted, leaving her with these words, “Next year, I want to see you present at [On Aging].” She took it to heart and submitted a proposal for the following year.
1. What inspired you to work in the aging field?
I never considered a career in the field of aging until I was already working at AARP. In graduate school, I envisioned working with families and children, but life had other plans. It wasn't until my fifth year at AARP, when I began leading extensive research on caregiving, that the field of aging became a serious consideration for me. This experience opened my eyes to the myriad challenges faced by the “sandwich generation.” Additionally, my research on multicultural populations highlighted that aging is not a uniform experience. Factors such as intersecting identities, living conditions, workplace environments, and access to resources all significantly influence how well and for how long people live.
2. What are you most proud of in your work in aging?
The first thing I am most proud of is the work I have done in both the LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities spaces. While there is still much work to be done, I believe I have helped AARP as an organization that supports healthy aging for all people and stands by its commitment of creating a society where everyone lives with dignity and purpose, fulfilling their goals and dreams. People are often surprised by the extent of our work in the LGBTQ+ space. I am proud to be recognized as a thought leader, known for genuinely understanding and caring about the issues and concerns that impact older LGBTQ+ individuals.
The second thing I am most proud of are the relationships I have built with others in the field of aging throughout my career. These relationships are genuine, transformative, and founded on a shared passion for improving the lives of others.
3. What have you learned from the people you’ve met through ASA?
I have learned that there are some really amazing people in this world doing great work in their lane. The On Aging Conference really feels like a homecoming where you are among family. It’s hard to explain, but conversations start online or after a plenary or workshop and relationships begin to form. Collaborations and partnerships are created easily because it feels like everyone, from ASA leadership to students attending, are vested in making sure older adults can live long, healthy, happy lives with dignity and respect.
4. What do you think is most needed in the aging field right now?
What is most needed in the field of aging is an awareness that people of all ages need to understand the issues impacting older adults and advocate for them. I taught an introduction to gerontology class and one of my students told me that they took the class because it was an elective and they thought the class was about plants. Yes, plants. I had two students say that after taking the class, they wanted to major in gerontology. I think the ASA RISE program is phenomenal and inspires young professionals to see the depth and breadth of a career in aging. If Dr. Patrice Dickerson calls on me again, I will enter my 4th cycle as a mentor.
5. What’s one question you love to ask your peers?
“How can we proactively address both the positive and negative impacts of artificial intelligence to ensure that these technologies enhance the quality of life for older adults?” I've been contemplating how advancing technology might increase lifespan, but also how it could lead to a loss of valuable knowledge. While it's important to embrace the benefits that come with these advancements, I am concerned about what we might lose in the long term.
If you’d like to participate in this type of 5-questions profile, please email Alison Biggar at abiggar@asaging.org.