The origins and evolution of the Journal of Aging and Social Policy

In this essay the current and previous editors discuss the history of the Journal of Aging & Social Policy. In reviewing the past thirty years of publishing the Journal, one can see three phases: Phase 1 took pace during the first decade (1989–1997), Phase 2 covered the next decade and a half or so (1998–2015), and Phase 3 reflects the past five years, a period of continuing growth and success (2016-Present). Despite its inevitable challenges, the Journal of Aging & Social Policy overcame each and has arrived. Today, it is a well-respected Journal that attracts excellent scholarship from around the world, that is well-cited, and that has earned the Journal a commendable impact factor. The editors are proud of that evolution. However, success is never final. The Journal will require continued effective stewardship as it looks to the next thirty years and beyond.