Denouncing Anti-AAPI Hatred, GSA Reiterates Commitment to Fighting Discrimination

As the U.S. again confronts the catastrophic consequences of racially motivated hate, The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) — the nation’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — joins with all who condemn violence, racism, sexism, and ageism targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Individuals of AAPI background have been increasingly made targets of acts of hatred, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and punctuated most recently by murders in the Atlanta area. Such crimes contribute to a public health crisis that must be addressed by every sector of society.

Minority groups represent the fastest growing segment of the older adult population. And GSA member scientists have well documented disparities experienced by people of color across the life course — encompassing physical health, psychological health, financial health, and more. But all people deserve the opportunity to live in safe environments and have access to quality health care, free of discrimination.

Recognizing that biases — whether driven by race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, profession, or many other dimensions — are antithetical to GSA’s core values, the organization established a Diversity and Justice Working Group in 2020. This member-led body of experts is spearheading efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the gerontological community of scholars, and in society more broadly.

Today we are reminded that this work to produce lasting change is more important than ever. Through its commitment to research, education, policy, and practice in aging, GSA pledges to be an ally to federal, state, and local government entities, businesses, educational institutions, professional societies, and coalitions in taking swift and direct action against acts of hate and discrimination toward AAPI individuals and all minorities.

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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.