title: Robert N. Butler, MD (January 21, 1927-July 4, 2010): visionary leader.
abstract: The career and accomplishments of Dr. Robert N. Butler highlight the history of postwar gerontology and geriatrics here and abroad. Butler was an idea broker: He introduced "life review" as a therapeutic intervention and coined "ageism." Butler was the only researcher on aging to win a Pulitzer Prize or long after normal retirement lay the foundations for a new gerontology. Butler was an institution builder: he served as first director of the National Institute on Aging, created the first department of geriatric medicine in the United States, and mobilized support here and abroad for global aging. His legacy provides much for successive generations to emulate and enhance.
authors.affiliation: *Address correspondence to W. Andrew Achenbaum, Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204. E-mail: achenbaum@uh.edu.
authors.forename: W Andrew
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Achenbaum
mesh_terms: D063506:Ageism; D000375:Aging; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D054561:National Institute on Aging (U.S.); D010820:Physicians; D011640:Public Policy; D011788:Quality of Life; D014481:United States
keywords: Ageism; Alzheimer’s Disease; Geriatrics; History; Longevity; Public Policy; Quality of life; Theory