The Society for the Advancement of Geriatric Anesthesia originated from the ASA Committee on Geriatric Anesthesia as it became increasingly apparent that the size and scope of the Committee was too limited to accomplish all what the committee members would like to achieve. SAGA officially began on October 16, 2000 when members of the Committee and other interested anesthesiologists held a special meeting in conjunction with the ASA meeting. 

SAGA exists to improve the care of the older patient having surgery. Successful outcomes in the elderly can only be achieved through care that encompasses all aspects of the surgical experience. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative care, including discharge planning and support service, are as important, if not more important, than anesthetic care. Involvement of anesthesiologists in all aspects of care is useful, and SAGA encourages the interaction of anesthesia personnel with other health care providers to optimize care. To facilitate such interaction, membership in SAGA by non-anesthesia providers is encouraged, just as SAGA members are encouraged to be involved in non-anesthesia medical societies. 

Much of our efforts involve educational programs provided to other anesthesia societies (see Program Info). SAGA also offers support to anesthesia training programs through the geriatric anesthesia syllabus, visiting professors and sample talks. The annual meeting of SAGA is currently held the evening of the Friday preceding the ASA meeting. The meeting consists of a business program followed by a short educational program. There is usually time for people to chat and discuss issues of common interest. The membership is small but enthusiastic! 

SAGA is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Charitable donations to SAGA are deductible within the limits of the law.