Interest Group FAQs

GSA Interest Groups are topic-focused, interdisciplinary groups where stakeholders in the field of aging, such as academics, researchers, clinicians, health care providers, program administrators, and policymakers, come together to share expertise, network, collaborate, and spark innovation.

GSA has over 65 different Interest Groups! There is (at least) one that is right for you. Here are just a few:

• Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
• Technology and Aging
• Qualitative Research
• Measurement, Statistics, and Research Design
• Epidemiology of Aging
• Family Caregiving
• Climate and Aging
• Mental Health Practice and Aging
• Nursing Care of Older Adults
• Paid Caregiving
• Religion, Spirituality and Aging
• International Aging and Migration

Many members join GSA Interest Groups for the interdisciplinary perspectives and interaction.  Practically speaking, members tell us joining GSA Interest Groups help them:

• Find people with similar interests
• Plan symposia submissions
• Find and share resources
• Collaborate on research projects, grants, and journal articles
• Develop curriculum
• Find speakers
• Identify potential consultants, references, and reviewers
• Find mentors or mentees
• Make life-long friends
• Find inspiration

With over 65 GSA Interest Groups, there are places for everyone. Browse this page for more information on each group to find those that best match your interests.

It's as easy as 1-2-3! And, you can join as many as you like.

1.  Login to www.geron.org and navigate to your GSA Dashboard
2. Select "Profile," then "Interest Group"
3. Choose your groups and "Update" to save

To see how to join Interest Groups, go 33 seconds into the GSA Member Benefits video.

Members often say GSA Interest Groups are the best way to "find your people" at GSA. Here’s how to get started:

1. Attend Interest Group meetings (registration is required for most).
2. Participate in your GSA Interest Group’s members-only online community on GSA Connect. Members share interesting articles, ask for advice, post funding or job opportunities, announce upcoming webinars and much more. Here is a 1-sheet guide on how to use GSA Connect and a short video (New GSA Connect Tutorial) to get you started.
3. Browse recordings/webinars of past GSA Interest Group meetings.

There is no limit. You can join as many as you like.

GSA Interest Groups are members-only communities. All member types, expertise levels, and career levels are welcome to join GSA Interest Groups. United States and international members, researchers, clinicians and policy makers are all welcome.

Active participation is not required, you can just listen in.  If you are early in your career, GSA Interest Groups are a great way to make professional and personal connections, learn more about the field, find a mentor, and discover job opportunities.

No, GSA Interest Groups are free and you can join as many as you like.

No, nonmembers are welcome to attend GSA Interest Group meetings but cannot participate in conversations on GSA Connect, the online networking platform where community members stay in touch between meetings.

It varies. Many meet monthly, some meet quarterly, and others meet less frequently. Most meetings are virtual, and many GSA Interest Groups will meet in person at GSA’s Annual Scientific Meeting. A calendar of GSA Interest Group meetings is here.

Every GSA Interest Group has a slightly different focus. Some focus on networking, others on resource sharing, and others on education, such as hosting webinars. You can learn more about the specific groups in which you are interested here and you can reach out to the GSA Interest Group conveners with additional questions.   

You can contribute as much or as little as you like. There are no obligations to attend or participate.  Many GSA members just listen, but active participation will enrich your experience.

Yes. If you no longer wish to be a member of a GSA Interest Group, you can simply go back into your GSA membership Dashboard and unclick the Interest Group you wish to leave. 

1. Login to geron.org and navigate to your GSA Dashboard
2. Select "Profile," then "Interest Groups"
3. De-select your group(s) and "Update" to save

Yes, each GSA Interest Group has a convener (and often several conveners) who lead the group. There may be opportunities to lead projects or events within your GSA Interest Groups.

1. Login to GSA Connect
2. Navigate to "My Account," then "Email Preferences"
3. Adjust your preferences, and "Save Changes"

To watch an instructional video, navigate to 2 minutes and 9 seconds of the New GSA Connect Tutorial video.

Most virtual meetings require registration. There is no registration for the in-person meetings at the Annual Scientific Meeting, you can just show up.