Overview
History of the German Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics
(DGGG)
Since its foundation more than sixty years ago, the "German
Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics", though bearing different
names during the decades, has been the pivotal and constantly
evolving organization for age researchers in Germany. Inaugurated
in 1938 by the internist Max Bürger in Leipzig as "Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Altersforschung" ("German Society for
Age Research"), it was renamed the following year to emphasize
the ambition of researching not only age itself but the process
of aging (resulting in "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Alternsforschung":
"German Society for Aging Research"). This first gerontological
society in Germany was predominantly an assembly of geriatrics,
thus being a mere medical society and reflecting the affinity
of age research to medicine in these times. After World War
II gerontological research in the divided Germany inevitably
resulted in two different branches of development.
Society for Aging Research and Society for Gerontology
of the GDR, respectively
As Leipzig, birth place of the "German Society for Aging Research",
was located in the GDR after 1949, the work of the organization
was continued there at first, until 1964. In 1966 it was replaced
by the "Gesellschaft für Alternsforschung der DDR" ("Society
for Aging Research of the GDR"). Werner Ries, a scholar of
Max Bürger, was made the first chairman of the organization.
In 1969 Ries took the chair of Internal Medicine and Gerontology
at the university of Leipzig. Though hampered by difficult
circumstances, he, as well as his collegue Friedrich-Horst
Schulz in Berlin, succeeded in promoting gerontological research.
It was particularly the idea of interdisciplinary research
which defined the work of this new gerontological society
in the GDR. Following the international trend it was renamed
into "Gesellschaft für Gerontologie der DDR" ("Society
for Gerontology of the GDR"), in 1977.
German Society for Gerontology (DGG)
The tradition established by Max Bürger was continued
in Western Germany (FRG), too. It was a characteristic of
the progress in the FRG to cross the boundaries of a confined
medical and biological approach to the aging process, and
to re-orientate towards interdisciplinary research. When the
"Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gerontologie" ("German Society
for Gerontology") came into being in Nuremberg in 1966, it
was consequently opened to sociology, psychology and other
scientific fields. Collegues of Max Bürger, namely Erich
Letterer, a pathologist from Tübingen, Adolf Störmer
from Munich and René Schubert from Nuremberg, both
internists, were accredited originators of this new society.
René Schubert was the first chairman of the DGG, which
he remained until his death in 1977, and (in 1970) the first
to take a chair in gerontology in the FRG. According to the
DGG`s understanding of gerontology non-medical scientists
were energeticly and successfully involved in the society`s
work, e.g. Karl Specht, a sociologist from Nuremberg and Hans
Thomae, a psychologist from Bonn. As result of this development
in the DGG a section "sociology" as well as a section "psychology"
were founded as early as 1967.
In both parts of Germany the view on gerontology has been
profoundly altered, not at last by the influence of the two
mentioned societies. Due to the conclusion that aging is a
biological, psychological and social fate, research of the
aging process displayed a challenge to medicine as well as
natural- and social sciences as a whole.
In the aftermath of these considerations the two German gerontological
societies held regular congresses. It may be highlighted that
in 1981 the DGG hosted the twelvth world congress of the International
Association of Gerontology (IAG) in Hamburg. The chairman
of this congress, Hans Thomae, was head of the DGG (1977-1980)
and head of the IAG (1981-1993). Respective congress reports
prove the magnitude of discoursed topics and the high quality
of the evolving interdisciplinary gerontology in Germany.
Additionally the DGG soon created an own, regular forum, the
"Zeitschrift für Gerontologie", published since 1968,
as well as a journal for publication of selected congress
papers named "actuelle gerontologie". Furthermore, Wolf D.
Oswald and Siegfried Kanowski established the interdisciplinary
journal "Zeitschrift für Gerontopsychologie & -psychiatrie".
Undoubtedly, these journals represent a serious improvement
in the opportunity to publish gerontological work and therefore
have contributed and will keep on contributing to the advancement
of gerontology in Germany.
German Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (DGGG)
Like in many other aspects of life, the reunion of the two
German states in 1990 marked an important cut-point in the
history of the two German gerontological societies. While
cooperation between the two societies was rather limited during
the long period of segregation, suddenly a whole new prospect
of collaboration of all German gerontologists came into sight.
This chance was quickly seized. In 1991 the two scientific
societies merged into one, which was henceforth called "Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Gerontologie und Geriatrie" (DGGG) ("German
Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics"). Of course the journal
of the new society was instantly adapted to the new circumstances
and is called today "Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und
Geriatrie" ("Journal for Gerontology and Geriatrics"). In
1998 the DGGG was able to realize its fourth biannual congress
in Heidelberg, which was themed "Research on Aging Faces New
Social Challenge". In 1999 the DGGG hosted the fourth European
congress on gerontology of the IAG. Last year (2000) the fifth
congress ("Aging in the 21st Century: Facts - Visions") was
held in Nuremberg in cooperation with the "Deutsche Gesellschaft
für Geriatrie" (DGG) ("German Society for Geriatrics"),
the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gerontopsychiatrie und
-psychotherapie" (DGGPP) ("German Society for Gerontopsychiatry
and -psychotherapy"), the "Österreichische Gesellschaft
für Geriatrie und Gerontologie" (ÖGGG) ("Austrian
Society for Geriatrics and Gerontology") and the "Schweizer
Gesellschaft für Gerontologie" (SGG-SSG) ("Swiss Society
for Gerontology"). Social progression as well as evolution
of living and living conditions will always contribute to
the challenges gerontology will have to face. The "German
Society for Gerontology and Geriatrics" is highly capable
of assembling German gerontologists and supporting them with
all resources a big association can offer.
top
Section I: Biology of Aging
Aim of this society is the study of age-dependent alterations
of the organism. Organs, tissues, cells and cell compartments
using humans, animals, insects and fungi as models.
The 63 members of the society are qualified in biochemistry,
biology, molecular biology, clinical chemistry, physiology,
anatomy, biophysics, immunology, genetics and clinical disciplines.
The research teams deal with
- Calculation of the vitality (life expectancy) of organisms
by longitudinal studies
- Calculation of the biological age of different populations
and individuals, resp. By measurement of physical, psychic,
social, and clinical,chemical parameters (test battery)
- Formulation of new hypothesis or theories of aging
- Modulation of life cycle of flies by ressource proteins
- Age-dependent influence of hormones (insulin, glucocorticoids,
growth hormone) in different organs
- Role of proteins and protoglycans in different organs
in aging
- Age-related changes of blood vessels and lipoprotein metabolism,
their connection with arteriosclerosis
- Changes of cerebrospinal fluid and the blood-brain barrier
in aging
- Changes of neurons and synapses in aging and special diseases
(M. Alzheimer, Parkinson's syndrom)
- Influence of oxidative stress in different organs in aging
and intervention by antioxidants
- Skin aging and intervention
- Bone aging and special diseases (osteoporosis)
- Cellular signal transmission via glucocorticoid receptors
in liver and brain cells
- Age-dependent regulation of replication, transcription,
and protein synthesis
- Age-dependent changes of DANN and repair mechanisms
- Role of telomeres in replicative cell senescence
In future, the aim of the society is the discovery of new
aspects for the interpretation, prevention, and therapy of
aging processes and diseases.
Chair of Section I:
PD Dr. Andreas Simm, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg,
Universitätsklinikum, Klinik für Herz- und Thoraxchirurgie,
Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, D-06097 Halle/Saale, Germany,
andreas.simm@medizin.uni-halle.de
top
Section II: Geriatric Medicine
In Germany 350 specialized geriatric departments and hospitals
have emerged in the last 25 years. These institutions encompass
20.000 clinical beds, but only 20 % of the medical faculties
in German universities have obtained professorships in Geriatrics.
Since 5 years an accredited advanced two-year training system
in the field of Geriatrics is established in all federal states
in Germany.
Objectives of the Society of Geriatric Medicine:
- holistic health care of elderly patients by medically
conducted interdisciplinary cooperation in a multiprofessional
team in the inpatient, semi-inpatient and outpatient sector
of the medical supply chain,
- cooperation with all occupational groups of gerontology,
- promotion of education, professional and advanced training
in Geriatric Medicine,
- promotion of research in Geriatrics.
Major tasks:
- promotion of scientific results and their implementation
in medical diagnostics and therapy,
- development of standards in diagnostics and therapy and
their transfer into practice,
- development of guidelines regarding prevention in old
age.
Current research projects and studies:
- the problems of stroke, hypertension, trembling and falling,
osteoporosis, incontinence and nutrition with special consideration
of prevention, therapy and rehabilitation as focal points,
- a pilot project about outpatient geriatric rehabilitation.
Vocational politics:
- promotion and establishment of Geriatrics as an independant,
approved clinical discipline,
- anchoring of Geriatric Medicine as essential among the
fields of Internal Medicine,
- encouragement of implementation of chairs for Geriatrics
in medical faculties,
- promotion of Geriatrics as compulsory subject in the studies
of Medicine.
The Section II, the Society of Geriatic Medicine is in permanent
cooperation with
- The German Society of Geriatrics (DGG),
- The section "Geriatrics" in the Professional Association
of German Internists (BDI),
- Federal Working Group of Geriatric Centers (BAG).
In collaboration with these organizations scientific meetings
are continuously realized.
Upcoming tasks:
- enhancement of applied clinical research,
- enhancement of vocational politics,
- integration of Geriatrics into the system of GR-DRGs.
Chair of Section II:
Dr. med. Manfred Gogol, Krankenhaus Lindenbrunn, Klinik für Geriatrie,
Lindenbrunn 1, D-31863 Coppenbrügge, Germany, gogol@krankenhaus-lindenbrunn.de
top
Section III: Social and Behavioral Sciences in Gerontology
At the moment Section III includes mainly psychologists and
sociologists. There are great efforts to attract representatives
of other disciplines, for example of the industrial economics/industrial
administration, pedagogics, history, politics and philosophy.
The members of this section are united by their interest
in the multiple forms of age and the factors the are influenced
by. A further focus of interest lies on studies of the continuity
and discontinuity of behavior and experience as well as on
the abilities and capabilities in older age. The members of
the Society for Social and Behavioral Sciences are convinced
that those topics can best be studied in interdisciplinary
projects. Therefore they promote the cooperation between scientists
from different disciplines and also pay attention to the exchange
between scientific and applicational matters.
In Section III, aging is understood as a life long
progress, influenced by personal and environmental factors
which promote continuity or change. Among the personal characteristics
life styles and life experiences should be highlighted, among
the environmental characteristics the spatial and social environment,
the material ressources and the social image of age are to
be emphasized. Personal as well as social factors and backgrounds
of aging lead to the analysis of ressources and risks of age,
too. It has become clear, that the ressources and capabilities
of older people are not sufficiently recognized today.
Members of the Section III are i.e. engaged in the following
research projects:
- The German Age Survey
- Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study of the Adulthood
and Aging (ILSE)
- Maintaining and Supporting Independent Living in Old Age
(SIMA)
Annual Meetings of Section III give opportunity to
present new ideas, new results and to exchange viewpoints
among the members. Subjects of the Meeting 2001 were: Education
and Training in Gerontology; European Master of Gerontology
Post graduate curricula in Gerontology, Psychogerontology
and Social Gerontology at the universities of Dortmund, Erlangen-Nuremberg,
Heidelberg, Kassel and Vechta are realized and supported by
members of the Section III, the Society for Social and Behavioral
Sciences in Gerontology.
Chair of Section III:
Prof. Dr. Christoph Behrend, Fachhochschule Lausitz, FB Sozialwesen Soziologie,
Lipezker Straße, D-03048 Cottbus,Germany, cbehrend@sozialwesen.fh-lausitz.de
top
Section IV: Social Gerontology and Health Care Services for
the Elderly
Section IV offers to scientifically and practically working
colleagues a platform for the development of theoretical and
practical aspects associated to work with the elderly and
socio-gerontologically based politics for the aged.
Collaboration of the most different disciplines and professions
is a specific quality of Section IV. Section promotes research
and education by emphasizing a variety of scientific and practically
orientated perspectives which are discussed by its members
and which are communicated under the scope of daily work as
well as on conferences.
Main work fields of Section IV are the areas of social gerontology,
scientific social politics for the aged, social care research,
practical research, and questions of education and empowerment.
Section's interdisciplinarity and culture of discussion are
the unalterable supposition to do justice to the multiple
themes and work areas which result from the intersection of
scientific research and practical aspects.
Section IV wishes to promote membership and active participation
of all professional groups working with the elderly, including
too non-academic professional groups and single persons. Organization
of a steady exchange between practically and theoretically
working persons is one of its most important tasks. In addition
to the Section's or the Society's annual conferences this
exchange takes place above all by
- continuously operating working groups,
- thematically orientated working group conferences,
- own publications, and
- comments based on scientific reasons.
Section IV is not a professional organization and not a representative
of social casework with the elderly. Its deliberate distance
and non-association to the mesh of interest groups renders
the sharpening of the professional profile of social casework
with the elderly and elderly care. Impulses are given which
are different to interest groups' expertises. Position papers
and thematic journal issues demonstrate the output of a balance
between self reflexivity and interdisciplinary communication.
Working culture of Section IV is characterized by cooperation
with other sections of the German Gerontological and Geriatric
Society as well as by active participation of colleagues from
other associations in Section's scientific programs. Furthermore
there is a collaboration with other scientific societies which
is above all documented by working groups (German Society
for Educational Sciences, German Society for Social Casework).
Together with the "Federal Conference on Quality Assurance
in Medical and Social Care Services" the Berlin memorandum
of January 14th 2000 was formulated.
Chair of Section IV:
Prof. Dr. Astrid Hedtke-Becker, Fachhochschule Mannheim-Hochschule für Sozialwesen,
Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 7-11, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany, hedtke-becker@alpha.fhs-mannheim.de
top
Chairmen and Presidents
- Presidents of the German Society for Gerontology (DGG)
1966-1977 R. Schubert 
1977-1980 H. Thomae
1980-1985 E. Lang
1985-1987 I. Falk
1987-1991 R. M. Schütz
- Chairmen of the Society for Gerontology of the GDR
1966-1969 W. Ries
1969-1973 H. Siggelkow
1973-1979 F. H. Schulz
1979-1984 W. Rühland
1984-1991 J. Haase
- Presidents of the German Society of Gerontology and
Geriatrics (DGGG)
1991-1997 R. M. Schütz
1997-1998 U. M. Lehr
1998-2002 W. D. Oswald
2002-2004 A.-K. Meyer
2004-2006 T. Klie
2006-2008 T. Klie
top
Congresses and meetings (since 1967)
German Society for Gerontology (DGG)
- 1967 in Nuremberg
The heart and respiratory organs in old age
Psychology and sociology in gerontology
- 1968 in Nuremberg
Elderly people and modern traffic
Metabolic disorders in old age
Mutual gerontological questions of psychology and sociology
Musculoskeletal disorders in old age
Personality and achievement in old age
Behavioral patterns and social status of elderly people
Assistance of healthy or sick elderly people in retirement/nursing
homes
- 1969 in Nuremberg
Gerontoprophylaxis
Therapy of infections in old age
Cardiac therapy in old age
Problems of digitalization in old age
Rehabilitation in old age
The problem of social isolation of elderly people
The image of old age in the present society
- 1970 in Nuremberg
Physiology and pathology of aging
Aging in an achievement-oriented society
Geriatrical endocrinology
Preparing to aging
- 1971 in Nuremberg
Age-dependent alteration of physiognomy, biomechanism and
function
Therapeutical characteristics of geriatrics
New sociological and psychological findings regarding the
aging problem
Elderly people at work
- 1972 in Nuremberg
Problems of the age shift
Experimental gerontology
Theoretical and methodical contribution to the construct
of the "age role"
- 1973 in Nuremberg
Vocational training in gerontology / geriatrics
Arterial circulatory disorder
Neurological geriatrics
Surgical geriatrics
Orthopedical geriatrics
Experimental gerontology
- 1974 in Nuremberg
Adaptations to old age
Practical geriatrics
- 1975 in Nuremberg
Active rehabilitation
Nutrition in old age
Endocrinology in geriatrics
Experimental gerontology
- 1976 in Berlin
Ecology of aging
Nutrition in old age
Endocrinology in geriatrics
Experimental gerontology
- 1977 in Cologne
Biology of aging
Psychology and sociology of aging
Drugs and old age
- 1978 in Hamburg
Endocrinology in old age
Theories and models of aging
Gerontoprophylaxis
Intervention and rehabilitation
- 1980 in Berlin
Cultural imprint of aging
Monetary problems in gerontology
- 1982 in Bamberg
Crisis in old age
- 1984 in Frankfurt/ Main
The stroke patient- an interdisciplinary task for gerontology
- 1986 in Travemünde
Longevity
- 1988 in Kassel
The "new" old
- 1990 in Lübeck
Aging between hope and resignation
Prevention, rehabilitation, irreversibility
Society for Gerontology of the GDR
- 1985 in Berlin
A contemporary view on aging and disease
100th anniversary of Max Bürger
- 1987 in Neubrandenburg
Interventional gerontology
- 1989 in Berlin
The individual in old age
- 1991 in Berlin
Therapy in old age
German Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (DGGG)
- 1992 in Berlin
First congress of the newly established and undivided "German
Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics", themed "Aging in
Germany"
- 1994 in Freiburg
Aging and politics
- 1996 in Leipzig
Aging in health and disease
- 1998 in Heidelberg
Research on aging faces new social challenge
- 2000 in Nuremberg
Aging in the 21st Century: Facts - Visions
- 2002 in Dresden
Aging in Dignity and Solidarity
top
Honorary members of the German Society of Gerontology
and Geriatrics (DGGG)
Germany
- Prof. Dr. Siegfried Eitner, Berlin
- Prof. Dr. Ingeborg Falck, Berlin
- Prof. Dr. Hanns Kaiser, Augsburg
- Prof. Dr. Ursula Lehr, Heidelberg
- Prof. Dr. Gerald Leutert, Leipzig
- Prof. Dr. Werner Ries, Leipzig
- Prof. Dr. Rudolf M. Schütz, Lübeck
- Prof. Dr. Hans Thomae, Bonn
France
- Dr. med. Jean-Auguste Huet, Paris
Israel
- Prof. Dr. Simon Bergman, Tel Aviv
Italy
- Prof. Dr. Francesco Mario Antonini, Florence
Netherlands
- Dr. med. Robert Jacques van Zonnefeld, Haren
Spain
- Prof. Dr. A. Ruiz-Torres, Madrid
Ukraine
- Prof. Dr. Vladimir V. Frolkis, Kiev
- Prof. Dr. D. F. Tschebotarew, Kiev
USA
- Prof. Dr. James E. Birren, Los Angeles
- Prof. Dr. Hanna Hermanova, Chicago
- Dr. med. Nathan Shock, Baltimore
top
Scientific Awards of the DGGG
IGNATIUS NASCHER PRIZES OF THE CITY OF VIENNA IN GERIATRICS
The Ignatius Nascher Prizes in Geriatrics will be awarded
by the City of Vienna during next year's 7th Viennese International
Geriatrics Conference. more...
Max Bürger Award
The Max Bürger Award is granted since 1976 and is on
the bi-annual congresses of the DGGG. From 2002 on the Max
Bürger Award is founded by Pfizer GmbH. It has a value
of € 12.500. For the rules of the gratification of the
Max Bürger Award and further information please contact
the president of the DGGG.
Margret Baltes Award for Junior Scientists on Behavioural
and Social Research
As well as the Max Bürger Award, the Margret Baltes Award
for Junior Scientists on behavioural and social research is
granted on the bi-annual congresses of the DGGG. For the first
time this award was granted on the 5th Congress 2000 in Nuremberg.
The award is provided for scientists with excellent research
in the beginning of their careers. Candidates should contact
the president of the DGGG for further information.
more...
top |
