Gerontological Society of America

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is a multidisciplinary organization devoted to research and education in all aspects of gerontology: medical, biological, psychological and social. GSA is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to aging research, education, and practice.[1][2] The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society — and its 5,500+ members — is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public.

History and organization

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) was incorporated in New York City in 1945 as an outgrowth of a group of scientists and physicians who had been calling themselves "the Club for Research on Ageing" since the 1930s. GSA has been holding scientific conferences since 1946.

In 1969 GSA moved its main office from St. Louis, Missouri to Washington, D.C. The Gerontological Society of America, along with the American Geriatrics Society[3] advocated for the formation of a National Gerontological Institute. These efforts bore fruit in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed legislation to create the National Institute on Aging[4] (NIA).

In 1946 GSA began publishing Journal of Gerontology. In 1961 material in Journal of Gerontology dealing with GSA organization and activities was moved to a new journal called The Gerontologist. In 1988 Journal of Gerontology was renamed Journals of Gerontology to reflect the fact that it was a composite of four journals having four separate editors. In 1995 the four journals being published under one cover were split into two magazines ("two covers"): (1) the Journals of Gerontology: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences and (2) the Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences.Also in 1995 GSA began publishing The Public Policy and Aging Report to deal specifically with policy issues, and directed to those outside as well as within the academic community.

Activities

The primary activities of GSA are to

  1. publish refereed journals
  2. publish special books and papers
  3. organize congressional briefings
  4. promote gerontology in higher education
  5. promote gerontology in public policy
  6. organize an Annual Scientific Meeting
  7. provide continuing education in gerontology

Special Units

The Gerontological Society of America is also home to two special units, or associated organizations, that GSA oversees:

Association for Gerontology in Higher Education

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), GSA’s educational branch, is a unique network of institutions dedicated to advancing scholarship in gerontology. Its programs set the benchmark for standards in academic programs across the country. AGHE’s official journal is Gerontology & Geriatrics Education.

National Academy on an Aging Society

GSA’s policy institute, the National Academy on an Aging Society, conducts and compiles research on issues related to population aging and provides information to the public, the press, policymakers, and the academic community. It publishes the quarterly Public Policy & Aging Report, as well as a public policy e-newsletter.

Member Sections

When joining the Society, GSA members are asked to affiliate with a section depending on their field of interest:

Each section has its own bylaws, officers, committees, and activities, and organizes its own track of presentations at the Annual Scientific Meeting.

At the Society-wide level, the sections are represented on Council, the Society's governing body, and on standing committees. Members also serve on the editorial boards of the journals and on task forces and steering committees which oversee special activities and projects. Several standing committees also sponsor special activities such as task forces on drug therapy and on sensory problems of older people.

Student members, in addition to joining the Society and an appropriate section, become part of GSA's Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization (ESPO), which has its own officers, committees, and activities, and is also represented on the standing committees of the Society.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "The Gerontological Society of America". Philanthropedia. GuideStar. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  2. ↑ "GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA". Aging in Motion. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  3. ↑ http://www.americangeriatrics.org/
  4. ↑ http://www.nia.nih.gov/

External links

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