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Rosalee Yeaworth, Ph.D. |
The AARP was formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons and now is only referred to as the AARP.
Named for AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the award is the association’s most prestigious and is given to recognize outstanding volunteers and members in every state who are making powerful contributions in their communities that are consistent with AARP’s mission and that inspire others to service.
Dr. Yeaworth, who served as College of Nursing Dean from 1979 to 1994, received the award on Nov. 1.
Dr. Yeaworth served as state director of AARP Health Advocacy Services from 1998-2000, organizing teaching about Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, prescription drugs and caregiving. She then spent six years on the Health and Long-Term Care Committee of AARP’s National Policy Council.
The council makes recommendations to AARP’s Board about policy to be included in AARP’s annual policy book. Nebraska AARP recommended that Dr. Yeaworth be appointed by the governor to serve on the Nebraska Center for Nursing Board. She has served from the center’s inception in 2000 until April of 2007.
Dr. Yeaworth also represents AARP on the Coalition to Protect Aging Adults and is chairing the state celebration of AARP’s 50th anniversary. She is on the policy committee and the advisory council of the Midlands Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and is an elder and past moderator of Presbyterian Women in Dundee Presbyterian Church. She does guest lectures for the college on Alzheimer’s Disease and Health Care for Vulnerable Populations.
“During the years I was dean, I believed I had very little time for community activities,” Dr. Yeaworth said. “From my nursing and sociology studies, I knew that the people who have active, healthy older years are the ones who have purpose and social connectedness. So as I neared retirement, I planned to work part time and gradually get involved in community activities of purpose.”
Dr. Yeaworth first became in involved in the AARP following a conference she attended called, “Retiring Right.”
She was impressed with the people she met and learned they were looking for a state director for health advocacy to organize and help teach others about Medicare, Medicaid, caregiving, long-term care choices and costs.