GSA Advocates Racial Justice, Decries Anti-Democratic Violence

As Washington, DC, and state capitols prepare for a possible second wave of violence this week, The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) — the nation’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — again stands with those who condemn anti-democratic riots, white supremacist movements, and racial discrimination.

The current attempts to prevent the legitimate, peaceful transition of power are antithetical to the values Americans hold most dear. Further, the initial law enforcement response to the insurrectionary assaults of January 6 also stands in stark contrast to the more aggressive response to diverse, peaceful protests against racial injustice in 2020 — further demonstrating the systemic racism present in American society that GSA is committed to addressing.

This unfolding episode is another reminder that there exists a public health crisis brought about by such entrenched racism, and that a great deal of work remains to defeat it. GSA is dedicated to improving the lives of people of all backgrounds as we age. Its member scientists have thoroughly documented disparities experienced by people of color across the life course — encompassing physical health, psychological health, and financial health, and many more dimensions. These disparities have been compounded by the scourge of COVID-19.

GSA stands ready to be a resource to the incoming administration and Congress on policies that address race and aging. Through the recently established GSA Diversity and Justice Working Group, the organization also will continue to advance initiatives that increase diversity and inclusion within the gerontological community of scholars.

GSA will move forward with all these efforts as we seek to develop further understanding of, and solutions to, the toll that racism is taking on American society. It will support the dissemination of evidence to eliminate systemic issues that increase the disparities that negatively impact health and well-being.

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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. GSA’s structure also includes a policy institute, the National Academy on an Aging Society.