The stated aims of the British Society of Gerontology (BSG) are ‘to promote the
understanding of human ageing and later life through research and communication’
and ‘to foster the application of this knowledge to the improvement of the
quality of life in old age’. The logo is accompanied by the phrase:
‘Facilitating links between research policy and practice’
The home page included links to a report of the 2006 BSG conference and to
information about Generations Review an online newsletter for BSG members to
share information and enhance their careers in the field of ageing. The colour
scheme, layout, and use of photographs were reasonable but it lacked back and
home buttons at the foot of each page. The menu system was clear but the pages
were slow to load.
I felt that the content was very limited. A search for the terms
psychogeriatrics or psychiatry provided no results and the page for links and
resources provided a disappointing range for a society whose aim is
‘Facilitating links between research policy and practice’. Again links to
psychiatric mental/health organizations and resources were almost non-existent.
There is a members only section which may provide more useful content and when
the ‘Join BSG’ page finally loaded I was informed that membership would provide
me with access to all areas of the website, including the Membership Directory,
Forum, Jobs and Courses and other Members Only pages. By completing a form you
can register on the website and be entitled to immediate temporary membership
for 60 days. International membership fees are £50 sterling. Unfortunately, the
content and performance of the site did not persuade me to take this any
further.
Unfortunately this website did not live up to the stated aims of the society. In
my opinion the performance of the site needs improvement and the content,
especially links and resources, needs to be significantly expanded.
Reviewer: Greg Swanwick, Dublin, Ireland. IPA Bulletin, April 2007
Copyright 2008 International Psychogeriatric Association
