a Statewide Organization Advancing the Field of Aging
Welcome to the official website of the Massachusetts Gerontology Association. The mission of MGA is to convene researchers, educators, practitioners, and public policy makers in Massachusetts to create dialogue on critical issues related to aging and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from academic research to day-to-day practice.
The Association (MGA) was founded in 1974 by a group of gerontologists headed by the late Professor Louis Lowy of Boston University. These charter members emphasized the need for an ongoing exchange of information and practice within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MGA focuses on promoting dialogue between researchers and practitioners and has a special interest in relating gerontological knowledge to policy making.
The Massachusetts Gerontology Association has become a leading organization for professionals in the field of aging. Our membership includes individuals and organizations from a wide range of disciplines including social work, education, public health, nursing/medicine, housing/architecture and many others.
MGA Officers and Executive Committee:
President: Bronwyn Keefe (Boston University)
Vice President: Gene A. Mazzella (Senior Care Works)
Treasurer: Alison Freeman (City of Boston, Age Strong Commission)
Secretary and Communications Liaison: Joann Montepare (Lasell University)
Past President: Kathy Burnes (Jewish Family & Children’s Service)
Arnaa Alcon (Bridgewater State University)
Joan Hyde (University of Massachusetts, Boston)
Patty Sullivan (MA Councils on Aging)
Katherine King (William James College)
Emily Williams (Bridgewater Council on Aging)
Call for Nominations for Board Members for the Massachusetts Association on Aging (MGA)
For almost 50 years, MGA has given voice to aging issues in Massachusetts, and with dramatic shifts in our age population this voice is stronger and more important than ever.
MGA was founded in 1974 by a group of gerontologists headed by the late Professor Louis Lowy of Boston University. These charter members emphasized the need for an ongoing exchange of information and practice within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this spirit, MGA continues to focus on promoting dialogue between researchers, policy makers and practitioners.
Our members, and those who attend our events, represent a wide range of disciplines (e.g. social work, psychology, education, public health, nursing/medicine, housing/architecture, etc.) and settings (e.g. government, academia, research, aging services, housing, health care, etc.).
MGA’s mission is the advancement of the field of aging in our state. A key focus of our organization is filling a gap in promoting aging work as a career by building pathways that involve exploration, learning and connection for newcomers – especially students. In 2018 MGA endorsed the Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative in support of advancing age inclusivity in higher education.
We strive to be a catalyst for attracting newcomers to the expansive nature of aging work, be it via pathways in psychology, nutrition, engineering, healthcare, technology, social work, business, or transportation.
In addition to its focus on attracting a broad, statewide constituency, MGA seeks to be the go-to organization for those who want to become involved in the field of aging in Massachusetts.
As a board member you will have the opportunity to contribute to:
- Determining the content and format of our annual and other meetings that bring together MGA membership and others.
- Shaping initiatives that will enhance the reputation and recognition of MGA as a unique contributor to the field of aging in MA; and,
- Developing strategies for expanding partnerships and membership benefits.
The board meets five times a year and communicates by email and phone in-between in the service of implementing projects. Currently MGA receives its operating funds from membership fees and revenue through program sponsorships from its events.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the MGA Board please send an email and resume NO LATER than September 6, 2022 to: Kathy Burnes - kburnes@jfcsboston.org
