GSA 2025 conference to highlight breakthroughs amid shifting aging landscape
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is preparing to host its 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston from November 12 to 15, a key event drawing over 4,000 professionals from across nearly 50 countries focused on the interdisciplinary field of aging. The conference, to be held at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, promises an extensive program of about 600 scientific sessions featuring pioneering research, innovations, and policy discussions under this year’s theme, "Innovative Horizons in Gerontology." Reporters covering aging issues are invited to register free of charge and may also attend special media-focused events alongside regular scientific presentations, enhancing opportunities for in-depth coverage of new developments in the sector.
A notable change to the conference line-up includes Dr. Francis Collins, originally slated as the opening plenary keynoter, withdrawing due to a personal commitment. In his place, Dr. Leana Wen, a Washington Post health and health policy columnist and public health physician, will deliver the opening keynote. Dr. Wen’s personal journey from a childhood of economic hardship to becoming a Rhodes Scholar and influential public health advocate adds a compelling narrative to her forthcoming address. Her work centers on accessibility and equity in public health, resonating deeply with the issues faced by older adults and the broader public health community.
The meeting will also spotlight critical topics such as financial exploitation of older adults, with sessions addressing the multidimensional challenges they face, including vulnerability to scams and economic abuse. For example, the Han Research Lab is hosting a symposium entitled "Unraveling Financial Exploitation in Older Adults," highlighting the complexity of safeguarding seniors financially—a concern growing in urgency as demographic shifts increase the elder population.
Alongside the scientific programming, several related societal issues merit attention. Discussions on Medicare Advantage have gained fresh scrutiny following a broadcast segment by John Oliver on HBO’s Last Week Tonight, which critically examined the disadvantages of these private insurance plans for a vulnerable elderly population. Health policy observers highlight that while Medicare Advantage plans may be lucrative for insurers, they often fall short in meeting the needs of seniors and their healthcare providers.
The conference also arrives amidst growing awareness of socio-economic disparities linked to aging. Recent research from the LeadingAge LTSS Center at UMass Boston reveals stark mortality disparities by wealth, with low-income older adults dying on average nine years earlier than those with higher financial resources. This significant finding underscores the intersection of financial security, health outcomes, and longevity, themes likely to influence policy discussions at the GSA meeting.
Moreover, new dynamics in elder advocacy and activism will be a feature in the wider discourse. Climate activist Bill McKibben’s organisation, Third Act, exemplifies an engaged older generation bringing experience and vigour to contemporary societal challenges, notably environmental issues, strengthening the intergenerational dialogue on sustainability and justice.
In the policy arena, recent developments in Texas signal strides in protecting older adults in long-term care settings during extreme weather, through a state-funded backup power initiative. This law acknowledges the specific vulnerabilities of rural seniors to climate-driven emergencies, an area of increasing concern nationwide given climatic unpredictability and infrastructure disparities.
Meanwhile, AARP’s ongoing financial relationship with UnitedHealth Group, involving a $9 billion upfront licensing payment, continues to attract scrutiny from both policy analysts and advocates over potential conflicts of interest influencing elder healthcare advocacy and Medicare policy.
The GSA’s 2025 conference will also recognise 47 new fellows, distinguished professionals whose exemplary contributions to gerontology span diverse domains such as biological sciences, social policy, and health sciences. These fellows embody the breadth of expertise driving forward the scientific and practical understanding of aging.
For journalists and thought leaders committed to the longevity revolution, the GSA meeting offers a rich arena of content, dialogue, and networking opportunities—showcasing the cutting-edge research and evolving challenges of an aging society, including health equity, advocacy, and innovation in care and policy.