How We Advance Our Mission & Vision

The AGS works across six strategic priority areas to advance its mission and vision.

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare 

We are committed to taking purposeful steps to address racism in health care, given its impact on older adults, their families, and our communities. In fall 2020, AGS added a statement to our vision for the future: “We all are supported by and able to contribute to communities where ageism, ableism, classism, homophobia, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other forms of bias and discrimination no longer impact healthcare access, quality, and outcomes for older adults and their caregivers.” The Society work across its strategic priorities to advance this vision. Our current major focus is on the intersection of structural racism and ageism in health care.

"The AGS is committed to taking purposeful steps to address racism in health care, given its impact on older adults, their families, and our communities and we are our working to integrate attention to equity across our programs and products."

–Annie Medina-Walpole, MD, AGSF,
AGS President (2020-2021)

Health Professionals

We’re committed to expanding the geriatrics knowledge base through initiatives that promote basic, clinical, and health services research. Through our efforts to connect with professionals across health care, we’re also working to increase exposure to principles of geriatrics excellence for all health professionals who care for older adults. Our anchors for these endeavors remain the wealth of publications, clinical tools, guidelines, and recommendations we develop on an ongoing basis; the research we promote and support through the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and other venues; and the opportunities we facilitate at our Annual Scientific Meeting.

"Just when I was feeling alone with overload, I find an organization with so many accomplished folks offering to share information, and I want to thank all of you for that."

-Priya M., MD, MPH, AGSF

Supporting the Geriatrics Workforce

The tools and insights championed by AGS members are essential to the future of high-quality care for older adults, and so, too, is our ability to share those tools with all health professionals. One way we make that possible is by offering travel stipends for trainees via our AGS Health in Aging Foundation. Stipends have supported hundreds of trainees so they can attend our Annual Scientific Meeting and learn more about geriatrics expertise.

"As a medical student, I attended my first AGS Annual Scientific Meeting in 2009 and never looked back. I went to every presentation that I could. I learned about policy issues and evidence-based updates in clinical practice. It was an eye-opening experience."

—Susan N., MD

Advancing Equitable Public Policy

To realize a future when every older American receives high-quality, person-centered care, we’re working in the present to address the shortage of geriatrics healthcare professionals; to strengthen primary and preventive care services; to impact the changing payment landscape; and to expand research and healthcare options that can lead to higher-quality care.

"The AGS is uniquely positioned because we represent a committed group of healthcare professionals who are actually doing the care. It’s imperative that the AGS seize the opportunity to advance its mission—ensuring quality care for all older adults—while Washington works to redesign healthcare."

–Cheryl P., MD

Educating the Public

Through the AGS Health in Aging Foundation, we advance our commitment to maintaining the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people by meeting older individuals where they live. Countless older adults and caregivers have visited HealthinAging.org for reliable, trustworthy information on health and care—all authored by our member experts.

"After spending some time on HealthinAging.org, I could not believe the amount of information contained on it. They have made a tremendous effort to distill technical and scientific information into a format and language that is easier to comprehend for most of us."

–Amanda C., caregiver from San Diego