Gerontology

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older people.

The ANCC Gerontological Nursing board certification examination is a competency based examination that provides a valid and reliable assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of registered nurses in the gerontological specialty after initial RN licensure. Once you complete eligibility requirements to take the certification examination and successfully pass the exam, you are awarded the credential: Gerontological Nurse – Board Certified (GERO-BC™).

Since 1954, ASA has developed and led the largest, most diverse community of professionals working in aging in America. As a result, ASA has become the go-to source to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge and strengthen the skills of our members and others who work with and on behalf of older adults.

AGESW provides leadership in the areas of gerontological social work education, research, and policy, and fosters cooperation, collegiality, and an exchange of ideas among social work educators, researchers, and students committed to or interested in gerontology.

The mission of the CGNO is to leverage our collective strengths to create a health care environment for older adults that is accessible and reflects person-centered care, quality outcomes, and evidence based practice across all settings.

During the 1990s, the Hartford Foundation became alarmed by the gap between the need for current and future geriatric social workers and the ability of the profession to educate and train sufficient numbers of social workers to serve older adults. Although a small group within the social work community was equally concerned, no professional social work organization or national foundation was focused on the issue of how to build the profession’s geriatric capacity. In 1998, the Hartford Foundation Trustees approved funding for the first program to strengthen age-related social work with a grant to the Council on Social Work Education. The Strengthening Aging in Gerontological Education in Social Work (SAGE-SW) program began in early 1999. Over the 10 years of the GSWI, the Foundation has authorized additional grants totaling $64.5 million.

The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) is the premier professional organization that represents the interests of advanced practice nurses, other clinicians, educators, and researchers involved in the practice or advancement of caring for older adults.

GSA is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. GSA’s principal mission — and that of our 5,500 members — is to promote the study of aging and disseminate information to scientists, decision makers, and the general public.

Founded in 1945, GSA is the driving force behind advancing innovation in aging — both domestically and internationally. Our members come from more than 50 countries.

Since its start in 1996, the singular goal of HIGN has been to shape the quality of healthcare of older adults. The commitment to this goal, exhibited by the dedicated HIGN leadership, staff and affiliate organizations, has made HIGN a globally recognized geriatric presence. HIGN is the geriatric arm of the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, and has become, over the years, a beacon for all those who wish to advance geriatric care through nursing leadership and interprofessional team care.

The field of gerontology recognizes that older adults have distinct characteristics that can be differentiated from earlier stages of adulthood. Social work practice with older adults encompasses a broad range of functions. Whether working in micro or macro settings, the primary goal of the social worker is to address the specific challenges of the aging process by promoting independence, autonomy, and dignity in later life.

Cultural beliefs about aging that impact care giving and strategies on how to combat ethnic stereotyping in health care are highlighted.

NCBA believes older adults of every race,
ethnicity, religion, region, and socio-economic status are the guardians of our values, heritage and traditions; and that they have earned the right to enjoy their golden years free of despair.

The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) is the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families and caregivers.

The National Indian Council on Aging, Inc. (NICOA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1976 by members of the National Tribal Chairmen’s Association who called for a national organization focused on the needs of aging American Indian and Alaska Native elders. The mission of NICOA is to advocate for improved comprehensive health, social services and economic well-being for American Indian and Alaska Native elders.

The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Understanding and discussing topics like advance directives, palliative care, caregiving and hospice care may feel overwhelming on top of dealing with a serious or life-limiting illness. Our guides and resources are here to help you through the journey you are on and to aid you in understanding the choices you have.

HealthinAging.org is a trusted source for up-to-date information and advice on health and aging, created by the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation.

Aging Americans are struggling to pay for assisted living, home care and other forms of long term care. Our mission is to solve this puzzle by providing tools, information and creative ideas which help families and caregivers discover the means to care for their elderly loved ones.

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The team at SeniorNet is passionate about helping older adults take advantage of new technology that can improve their quality of life, reduce isolation and engage in new and interesting ways. The best way to do this is to connect older adults with each others and with both physical and online communities.