UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — David Almeida, professor of human development and family studies at Penn State, has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Robert W. Kleemeier Award, awarded by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), the nation’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging.
The distinguished honor is given annually to a GSA member in recognition of outstanding research in the field of gerontology. It was established in 1965 in memory of Robert W. Kleemeier, a former president of the society whose contributions to the quality of life through research in aging were exemplary.
“Receiving this award was truly unexpected, but serves as a meaningful acknowledgement of the collective efforts undertaken at Penn State,” said Almeida, who will have been at Penn State for 20 years this coming January.
“This award has been given to some of the most influential figures in gerontology, many of whom have emerged at Penn State since the 1970s," Almeida said. "They have not only shaped our field, but also pioneered theory and methods in lifespan psychology. It is quite humbling to be among these giants of our field and continue the legacy of Penn State’s leadership in aging research.”
Almeida’s research is focused on understanding the daily experiences of life and the broad impact those experiences and stressors have on health and well-being. His research has shown that mundane yet frequent daily stressors are often better predictors of important health outcomes for mid- to later life than major events.
He is the principal researcher for the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE), a national study that is part of the larger Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) project, led by the University of Wisconsin Institute on Aging.
Almeida noted that his success would not have been possible without support from key collaborators, including Marty Sliwinski, professor of human development and family studies at Penn State; Jacqueline Mogle of the Prevention Research Center at Penn State; Steven Zarit, professor emeritus of human development and family studies; and his graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, among others. The Center for Healthy Aging and the Survey Research Center at Penn State were also integral in carrying out his work.
“Most importantly, thanks to Jennifer Maggs, who has been with me the entire journey. I credit most of my success to our ongoing collaboration,” Almeida said.
The award presentation will take place at GSA’s 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held Nov. 8-12 in Tampa, Florida. Almeida will be presenting the keynote speech. This conference is organized to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, educators, and practitioners who specialize in the study of the aging process.