Pioneers of Gerontology

Dr. Robert Butler

Coined the terms “ageism” and “longevity revolution”
Founding director of the National Institute on Aging
President and CEO of the International Longevity Center-USA

Dr. James Birren

Founding dean of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Aging research pioneer
Founded the National Institute of Mental Health’s Section on Aging

Ethel Percy Andrus and Leonard Davis

Founders of AARP

Dr. Matilda White Riley

Helped to broaden gerontology’s focus with her pioneering work on Age Stratification.

University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

The first university to have a bachelors, masters, and PhD in Gerontology

Gerontological Society of America

First established society for professionals of gerontological research

Next Avenue – Influencers in Aging

The “Influencers in Aging” annual list celebrates advocates, researchers, thought leaders, writers, educators, experts and everyday people who are breaking new ground on challenges and opportunities for those 50+.