The Institute of Gerontology was the successor to the Institute on Aging, created in 1968 as part of the College of General Studies at the University at Albany, State University of New York. The purpose of the Institute, and all subsequent iterations, was to provide knowledge and research into the experience and care of elderly citizens. Specific issues such as nursing home care, criminal offenders and social interaction were the focus of instruction, communication and research through degree programs and certificates, seminars, conferences, newsletters, consortial committees and research studies. In 1972, the organization was renamed as the Institute of Gerontology, and became part of the University's School of Social Welfare. Within a few years, it received status as an established research unit. In 1982, it became the Ringel Institute for Gerontology, named for Rhoda and Stan Ringel, both of whom supported the mission of the institute. The name was changed again in 1997, back to the Institute of Gerontology, which it remains. It is currently comprised of two units, the Center for Research and the Center for Excellence in Aging Services.

Previous directors for the program include Father Anthony Rocha, Steven. I. Pflanczer, Susan R. Sherman and Sheldon S. Tobin. Primary researchers for the Institute include Evelyn S. Newman and Susan R. Sherman. Research topics continued to include elderly offenders, nursing home care, social interaction for seniors as well as the role of the University in advocating for this population, among others. Beyond research papers, the Institute hosted a number of conferences, seminars and training sessions.

Funding was initially provided through grants. After the first director, Father Anthony Rocha, failed to secure a necessary grant for a second consecutive year, he resigned from the Institute, which then was absorbed by the School of Social Welfare. From this point on, funding was received through a mix of grants and institutional funding.