In January 1985 the Beijing Municipal Government approved establishment of Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center. Established at the Xuanwu Hospital with investment from the State Planning Committee, it became China's first scientific research center, specializing in the clinical treatment of geriatric diseases and in related education.

The center, including eight key laboratories, composes a comprehensive academic system with strengths and emphasis on geriatrics and neuroscience. For decades, the center has kept a leading position in its kind in China, obtained continuous funding from both international and domestic sources, and undertaken many research projects at national and municipal levels. Up until now, more than 40 patents and numerous research awards have been issued to the center honoring its achievements in related areas.

During the past years, a large number of qualified scientists, researchers and graduate students have received high-level geriatric research training at the center. In addition, extensive efforts have been devoted to various community outreach and social welfare programs.

Since its establishment, the center has maintained close exchange and cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and many globally prestigious universities.

In future, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center will continuously strive for further advancement of geriatric research, improvement of health care for the elderly and facilitation of gerontology development in China.