Anthea Tinker

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Anthea Tinker, an eminent social gerontologist and valued member of the AGE-WELL community.

Anthea was an inaugural member of AGE-WELL’s International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC), serving as Vice-Chair for approximately seven years. She made outstanding contributions to the committee and to the network’s scientific programs. Her leadership on the evaluation of AGE-WELL’s research programs in our first five years was instrumental to the network’s successful renewal.

Anthea was Professor of Social Gerontology at King’s College London, where she was the founding Director of the Institute of Gerontology. She chaired the College Research Ethics Committee from 2001 to 2011. Her main areas of research were social policy and research ethics, with a specialization in gerontology since 1974. Her wide-ranging research included studies on community care, housing for older people, elder abuse, health and health trends, carers, falls and accidents, information needs, older workers, and technology/communication systems.

Among many honours, Anthea was awarded the CBE in 2000 for Services to Housing for Older People and in 2010, received the Alan Walker Prize from the British Society of Gerontology for her significant and lasting contribution to social gerontology.

Her remarkable career also included service with three Government Departments and consultancy roles with the World Health Organization, the European Union, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Anthea was a true professional with a strong moral compass. She was generous with her time, sharing knowledge and expertise freely with colleagues and trainees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anthea hosted meetings with students in her home garden to ensure they remained connected and supported.

Beyond her distinguished career, Anthea was the kindest of colleagues ─ always thoughtful, warm and attentive to others.

We are profoundly grateful for all that Anthea gave to AGE-WELL. She will be much missed.

A tribute to Anthea and her remarkable career can be found here: In Memoriam: Professor Anthea Tinker CBE | King’s College London