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Editorial

It is a privilege to serve as Editor-in-Chief of The Gerontologist (TG) and follow in the illustrious footsteps of prior editors who made TG the most widely cited publication of The Gerontological Society of America. One reason I accepted this responsibility is I knew I had a large cadre of wise and accomplished colleagues who would step forward when asked for counsel or assistance. My expectations have been fully met. The transition in editorships was seamless thanks to the unstinting help given by my predecessor, Larry Branch, and his Assistant Editor, Dave Brown. Bob Binstock graciously consented to continue his long and distinguished tenure as the Book Review Editor. I'm looking forward to working closely with two new section editors who bring creative and fresh perspectives: David Biegel, who accepted the position of Practice Concepts Editor, and Bob Yahnke, who is taking up the job of Audiovisual Editor.

The editorial board members have been superb about responding to my survey on TG's mission and suggestions for strengthening the journal. The consensus of opinion about TG's mission is reflected in the following key phrases: "rigorous science on applied aging issues," "transcends disciplinary boundaries" with its multidisciplinary focus, provides "a forum for creative approaches to gerontology," and is "the leading, peer-reviewed gerontology journal."

Suggestions for improvements were more wide ranging and will be addressed at the annual editorial board meeting. However, to quote my mentor, Marie Haug, the bottom line is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The happy fact is TG is and will continue to be an outstanding journal in gerontology. Although no major overhaul appears to be needed, new features and enhancements always should be given full consideration and suggestions from the readership are welcomed. I am especially eager to involve our student members in innovative ways because they are the future of gerontology and its journals.

Although my tenure as Editor has been a brief 10 weeks, I have some observations and recommendations for authors on the basis of the 77 new submissions that I have received. First, articles reporting on interventions must explain carefully the details of the intervention. After 28 years as an applied aging researcher in a health and social service organization, I understand the challenges of explicating what is in that black box. But, the nature of the intervention must be absolutely clear if researchers are to advance the progress of social services and enable replication.

Second, please appreciate the difference between a literature review and discussion of the conceptual framework or model for the research. Readers must be able to understand the conceptual advances being proposed, how they derive from previous work, and how they are being empirically examined. Consistent with Larry Branch's recommendation to shorten the introduction and lengthen the discussion section (TG, 2000, 40[2]: 135), I also ask you to be judicious about the inclusion of citations, using only those references that are essential to your work.

Third, submissions from colleagues in other nations (19 of the 77 received) are most welcome. However, please keep in mind that readers may not understand the organization of your nation's service system and its policies. Thus, some context is needed that informs readers about the unique aspects of service organization and delivery so they can fully appreciate the findings.

Fourth and last, suggestions made 10 years ago by Rosalie Kane, a former editor, still ring true today and deserve revisiting (TG, 1992, 32[6]: 724–725). Three of these suggestions are (a) make the most of your data set (promises of future analyses leave editors and readers unfulfilled), (b) do not tack on some brief implications of the research for practice and policy (this is inconsistent with TG's mission), and (c) make certain that measures of study variables are clearly explained conceptually and empirically.

All suggestions are given in the spirit of improving the quality of submissions, easing the burden on reviewers, and facilitating publication. Please keep the submissions coming. I look forward to the excitement of being the first to read an outstanding manuscript and the importance of its publication in TG.

Editor-in-Chief

The Gerontologist

October, 2002

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