Special issues bring together research on a shared theme such as dementia care, frailty prevention, health services for older adults, or innovations in long-term care. They provide a curated forum for timely topics and interdisciplinary collaboration.

We welcome proposals that align with the journal scope and offer clear value to clinicians, researchers, and policy makers working in aging and healthcare.

Strong proposals demonstrate a clear gap in the literature, a focused theme, and an engaged scholarly community. Proposals that combine clinical relevance with policy or implementation perspectives are particularly valuable for aging research.

Guest editors should outline how the special issue will attract high-quality submissions and how the issue will contribute to improved care, service delivery, or outcomes for older adults.

• Proposed theme and short rationale
• Guest editor(s) names, affiliations, and brief bios
• Proposed scope and key topics or keywords
• Expected article types and approximate volume
• Planned outreach or call for papers strategy

Proposals should demonstrate relevance to aging research and a clear plan for attracting high-quality submissions.

Special issues may include original research, reviews, short communications, and perspectives. A brief editorial or overview article may be proposed to frame the theme and summarize key contributions once the issue is complete.

Guest editors should also indicate whether the issue will prioritize certain populations, care settings, or methods, such as qualitative research, pragmatic trials, or health services evaluations.

• Alignment with the journal aims and scope
• Originality and relevance of the proposed theme
• Guest editor expertise and publication record
• Feasibility and clarity of the proposed plan

Guest editors help shape the scope, identify reviewers, and provide recommendations based on peer review. All final decisions remain with the journal editorial office to ensure consistency and integrity.

• Screen submissions for scope and suitability
• Coordinate peer review with subject experts
• Support timely communication with authors
• Uphold ethics, confidentiality, and conflict of interest policies

Special issues follow the same editorial policies as regular submissions, including COPE and ICMJE guidance. Guest editors must disclose conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from decisions when a conflict exists.

All submissions are subject to plagiarism screening and standard peer review. APCs apply after acceptance unless stated otherwise in the call for papers.

The journal provides submission infrastructure, peer review management, and production services. Accepted articles receive DOIs and are published open access. The editorial office supports guest editors throughout the process.

Promotion and visibility support may include announcements on journal channels and listing the issue on the Ongoing Special Issue page.