The Center on Aging and Aged was founded in 1979 by action of the Indiana University Board of Trustees. Janet MacLean, Re.D., Professor of Recreation and Park Administration, was the first Director. She was also named Byron Root Professor of Aging in 1979. Upon the retirement of Dr. MacLean, Bill Martz, M.D., Professor of Medicine was named Director and Susan Eklund, Ph.D., Professor of Education, was named Associate Director. Dr. Eklund was also awarded the title of Byron Root Professor of Aging.

From 1979 through 1989, the Center was a university wide center with offices in both Indianapolis (IUPUI) and Bloomington. In 1990 it became a Bloomington campus center, reporting to Dean Mobley of the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER). The Center moved to its present location in the Smith Research building in 1995. Barbara Hawkins, Re.D., Professor of Recreation and Park Administration, was named Director in the summer of 2001.