About BSG

Objectives

The British Society of Gerontology aims to promote the understanding of human ageing and later life through research and communication. It seeks to foster the application of this knowledge to the improvement of the quality of life in old age.

Activities

BSG's main activities are concerned with promoting the exchange of ideas and information. An important element is the programme of meetings, which as well as providing venues for informal discussion and formal presentations, create opportunities for members to publish and disseminate their work. The Society is also increasing its activity in the promotion of research.

History

The BSG was established in 1971 to provide a multidisciplinary forum for researchers and other interested members in the field of ageing. Until 1979 it was known as the British Society of Social and Behavioural Gerontology.

The Society was elected as a member of the International Association of Gerontology in 1987 and is affiliated to many other organisations in the UK and abroad.

Members have varied backgrounds. Anyone with a research interest in Gerontology is made most welcome. Indeed one of the returns from participation in our meetings and activities is the contacts these bring with a diverse group of teachers, researchers and practitioners in gerontology and gerontological issues. BSG conferences bring together a rich variety of perspectives.

The annual residential conference is a major event. It usually takes place over a weekend in September, and moves to a different location each year. Successive conferences have developed more elaborate formats, and aim to meet the diverse interests of the members. There are normally plenary sessions, with distinguished overseas speakers now a regular feature, and a choice of concurrent paper sessions or workshops. Increasingly the conference activities involve older people's organisations, and there is a well-established social and visits programme. Members of the Society are normally entitled to concessionary registration fees at BSG conferences.