ISG Journal

Looking back, looking forward: ISG Past-presidents’ Roundtable
Gloria Gutman, Vappu Taipale (Finland), Andrew Sixsmith (Canada), William Kearns (USA), Helianthe Kort (Netherlands).
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Abstract

ISSUE: The first world conference of Gerotechnology took place in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, in 1991. In addition to the scientific program, the structure of the International Society for Gerontechnology (ISG) was formulated and the constitution and bylaws were ratified. In the ensuing 35 years, 14 more international world conferences on gerontechnology have been held. Interest in the field of gerontechnology has increased dramatically worldwide. Chapters have been added to ISG’s organizational structure. ISG has partnered with the European Region of WHO on reviewing research on assistive devices and identifying research gaps. It has participated to varying degrees in the activities of other international non-governmental scientific and/or advocacy organizations (NGOs) concerned with individual and/or population aging. These include the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics in which it has the status of a standing committee, one of only two NGOs with this status. STRUCTURE: Four presidents of ISG who are able to attend the 15th World Conference, Vappu Taipali (1997-2002), Andrew Sixsmith (2014-2016), William Kearns (2016-2020), and Heliathe Kort (2020-2026) will highlight the developments that took place during their term of office. They will also analyze the past history of ISG and project their vision of future goals. Gloria Gutman (President of IAGG 2001-2005) will review the role of special interest international organizations such as ISG in the global NGO community. CONCLUSION: This roundtable will highlight past accomplishments of ISG and ways in which it might broaden and deepen its impact on individual and population aging and within the broader global NGO community.




Gloria Gutman, Vappu Taipale (Finland), Andrew Sixsmith (Canada), William Kearns (USA), Helianthe Kort (Netherlands). (2026). Looking back, looking forward: ISG Past-presidents’ Roundtable. Gerontechnology, 25(s),1-1
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2026.25.2.1708.3