The British Geriatrics Society

The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) was founded in 1947 for “the relief of suffering and distress amongst the aged and infirm by the improvement of standards of medical care for such persons, the holding of meetings and the publication and distribution of the results of research”.Today, the BGS is a professional association of doctors practising geriatric medicine, old age psychiatrists, general practitioners, nurses, therapists, scientists and others with a particular interest in the medical care of older people and in promoting better health in old age. It has over 2,500 members worldwide and is the only society in the UK offering specialist medical expertise in the wide range of health care needs of older people. The BGS uses the expertise of its members to inform and influence the development of health care policy in the UK and to ensure the design, commissioning and delivery of age appropriate health services. The BGS works closely with other specialist medical societies and allies itself with age-related charities. The BGS publishes a scientific journal, Age and Ageing, six times per year. This is available on subscription and is sent to all BGS members.  The BGS publishes statements of best practice and position papers on the management of specific conditions and audit results.  The BGS holds two scientific conferences each year, at which researchers present work into ageing and age-related conditions. The conferences include keynote speakers of international repute, platform and poster presentations and workshops. The BGS promotes and administers a number of grants, fellowships and prizes to further professional education, and research into ageing.