From the 1950s onwards, various social and economic thrusts and policies by both federal and provincial governments and agencies had placed an increasing emphasis on determining, and responding to the needs of Canada’s elderly.
By 1970, Canadian gerontologists felt it was time for an association dedicated primarily to Canadian Gerontology concerns. On October 15, 1971 the founding meeting was held at the Douglas Hospital in Montreal. At that time, the Association consisted of 185 founding members. The CAG was formally incorporated on April 13, 1973.
Many individuals working or interested in this field saw the Association as a prime vehicle for achieving the improvement of the condition of life of the elderly through encouraging studies in gerontology, disseminating information on the subject and improving communication and cooperation amongst the many professions and disciplines whose mandate includes the elderly.
| Term | President |
|---|---|
| 2018 – Present | Veronique Boscart |
| 2014 – 2018 | Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard |
| 2012 – 2014 | Maggie Gibson |
| 2008 – 2012 | Neena Chappell |
| 2004 – 2008 | Sandra P. Hirst |
| 2001 – 2004 | Barry McPherson |
| 1999 – 2001 | Pierre Soucie |
| 1997 – 1999 | Norah C. Keating |
| 1995 – 1997 | Colette Tracyk |
| 1993 – 1995 | Michael J. MacLean |
| 1991 – 1993 | Rory H. Fisher |
| 1987 – 1991 | Gloria M. Gutman |
| 1983 – 1987 | Ronald D. Bayne |
| 1979 – 1983 | Betty Havens |
| 1975 – 1979 | Gilbert M. Rosenberg |
| 1973 – 1975 | Lola Wilson |
| 1971 – 1973 | William J. Forbes |