The American Society on Aging unites, empowers and champions everyone striving to improve aging.
Since 1954, ASA has developed and led the largest, most diverse community of professionals working in aging in America. As a result, ASA has become the go-to source to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge and strengthen the skills of our members and others who work with and on behalf of older adults.
As we unite, empower and champion our community, we have the unique responsibility to be a strong voice and thought leader on critical systemic issues that influence how we age. As America struggles with how best to respond to the need for greater inclusivity, anti-ageism and equity, ASA sees its responsibility as a leader to drive the discourse and advocate for the change necessary to address these issues in aging.
Exploring cross-cultural views on aging, portrayals of aging at the individual, community and national levels, reframing how we talk about aging and older people, shifting representations of aging in media, and promoting representation in the arts
Examining the longevity economy, education and training opportunities across the life course, work and retirement structures, economic instability, healthcare costs and aging-in-community
Promoting elder justice, social movements, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the exploration of intersections between aging and racism, homophobia, gender-based or religious discrimination
Exploring systems of care that address social determinants of health, mental health parity and outcomes, spiritual well-being, the role of technology and macro-issues such as climate change and immigration
Highlighting age-friendly initiatives, design thinking, technology connecting people of all ages, innovations in service delivery, and public-private-partnerships to improve our lives as we age
Since its inception, ASA has believed in an inclusive, equitable world for people of all ages. As our country grows older, we are also becoming more diverse. Older people are the most diverse segment of our population, with preferences, needs and assets shaped by lifetimes of experience. And, within 15 years, this highly diverse group will for the first time outnumber children younger than age 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
This makes the fight against discrimination and bigotry in all of its forms, including ageism, racism, ableism and heterosexism, all the more urgent.
ASA is strengthening its commitment to weaving equity throughout our programs and organizational structure, elevating voices that have historically been underrepresented and suppressed, and inspiring members to take growing action toward inclusivity.
ASA is:
- Investing in diversity, equity and inclusivity training for all staff and board members.
- Proud of our historical commitment to maintaining a diverse Board of Directors, while intentionally recruiting new board members to ensure fuller representation. Meet our Board of Directors.
- Designing year-round educational programs and initiatives that tackle inequality, social justice and inclusivity.
- Building new, practical On Aging toolkits and briefs to inspire action toward equity
- Launching advocacy initiatives to help members learn about and organize around diversity, equity and inclusion.
There is much work to be done. We want to learn from you and with you.
ASA Board of Directors
Najja R. Orr, PhD
Member, Executive Committee
President & CEO, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Senior Associate Dean, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California
Jeffrey B. Klein
Treasurer and Executive Committee Member
President & CEO, Nevada Senior Services Inc.
Ginna Baik
Member, Executive Committee
Senior Business Development Manager for Senior Living, Amazon
ASA Staff
Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD
Interim President & CEO
Patrice Dickerson, PhD
Director, Programs & Thought Leadeship
Christopher Berno
Executive Consultant & Acting CTO
Julia Burrowes
Thought Leadership & Impact Manager
Kay Link
Digital Communications Manager
Victoria Ruiz
Education & Programs Manager
