Age-Friendly Health Care Systems Highlighted in Annual State of the Science Review

January 2026

THOROFARE, NJ – Each year in the January/February issue, Research in Gerontological Nursing (RGN) publishes an Annual State of the Science Review (formerly State of the Science Commentary) to update the professional community on the state of the science for one aspect of gerontological nursing research. Written by esteemed experts, this contribution to the scientific discussion is designed to review progress, chart the course of future research, and coalesce priorities.

The 2026 Annual State of the Science Review, “Age-Friendly Health Care Systems: State of the Science, Past and Future Directions,” by Barbara King, PhD, RN, FAAN; Marie Boltz, PhD, GNP-BC, FAAN, FGSA; Sarah Fraiman, MA, RN; and Anna Zisberg, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA, with a Response to the Annual Review by Terry T. Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, highlights the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement and the role of the 4Ms (What Matters, Medication, Mobility, Mentation) in improving reliable, evidence-based care.

“The 2026 Annual Review is an excellent synthesis of advances in age-friendly health care systems research,” states Heather M. Young, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA, Editor of RGN. “Importantly, the authors provide needed direction to advance implementation science and establishing metrics for robust cross-system impact of this important movement. Their recommendations could accelerate adoption and reimbursement for optimal care for the millions of older adults served by health care systems.”

The Annual State of the Science Review has become an important, anticipated, and thought-provoking yearly publication in the field of gerontology. Access this year’s article in the free January/February 2026 issue at https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/19404921-20260105-02.

Follow the Journal on Twitter: @RGNJournal.

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