Who We Are

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. Our nearly 6,000 members include geriatricians, geriatric nurses, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists.

The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy.

"Stronger Than Ever"

In 2017, our member community celebrated 75 years of caring for older adults. What does 75 years of geriatrics expertise look like (and sound like)? Find out, in this one-of-a-kind commemorative song commissioned for our anniversary. Music by John B. Sebastian with words by David B. Reuben, MD, AGSF. Performed by James T Pacala, MD, MS, AGSF, Miguel Paniagua, MD, and our #AGS17 attendees.

Our Mission

To improve the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people.

Our Vision for the Future

Every older American will receive high-quality, person-centered care.

Strategies for Achieving Our Vision

  1. Expanding the geriatrics knowledge base through initiatives that promote basic, clinical, and health services research regarding the health of older adults.
  2. Increasing the number of healthcare professionals employing the principles of geriatric medicine when caring for older persons by supporting the expansion of geriatric education in all applicable health professions and promoting the development of systems of care and practice redesign that facilitate the provision of quality geriatric care.
  3. Recruiting physicians and other healthcare professionals into careers in geriatrics through efforts to ensure that geriatrics is a viable, attractive, and rewarding career choice.
  4. Guiding public policy through advocacy so policy supports improved health and healthcare for seniors.
  5. Raising public awareness of the need for high-quality, culturally sensitive geriatric healthcare so an empowered, proactive public can help drive improvements in the quality of care that older persons receive.
AGS Caring, Compassions, Respect

“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