[1] Among the founding physicians were Dr. Ignatz Leo Nascher, who coined the term "geriatrics", Dr. Malford W. Thewlis, who was named the first executive secretary of the Society, and Dr. Lucien Stark who was appointed the first AGS president.
In 1999 the Society established the AGS Health in Aging Foundation (HiAF) to further advance aging research, educate the public and legislators about healthcare for older people, and encourage the public to advocate for quality geriatrics care.
The Association of Directors of Geriatrics Academic Programs (ADGAP), established in 1990, became a supporting organization of the Society in 2002.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is devoted to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people.
The Society has published clinical practice guidelines on multicultural care, LGBT care for older people, potentially inappropriate medications for older adults, perioperative care, postoperative delirium, feeding tubes, persistent pain, diabetes mellitus, falls, making medical treatment decisions for unbefriended older adults.