Silver Haired Legislatures originated in Missouri in 1973 as a result of the recognition of social movements concerning a growing senior population throughout the United States. The Missouri model legislature was comprised of older citizens whose goal was to unify separate advocacy groups and to create a mechanism for older citizens to become active local leaders and advocates for improving the quality of life through the legislative process. Similar model legislatures, based on the Missouri model, were founded in Iowa, Florida, and Indiana in 1978.

The Georgia Silver Haired Legislature was founded and incorporated in 1979. Support came from the Georgia Council on Aging, the Gray Panthers, the American Association of Retired Persons, the National Retired Teachers Association, the State Office of Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and other organizations. Funded by a grant from the Governor's Office, the first model legislative session was held for three days in 1979 at the Georgia State Capitol. Following this successful event, the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation officially creating the Georgia Silver Haired Legislature. This legislation also authorized it to meet biennially at the State Capitol in order to adopt measures appropriate for consideration by the General Assembly.

Membership in the Georgia Silver Haired Legislature was open to any registered voter or permanent resident of Georgia who was at least 60 years of age or older. To be eligible for election, one had to secure the signatures of 75 other persons, age 60 or older, who lived in the same area. Elections were held every two years.

In addition to Biennial Sessions, the Georgia Silver Haired Legislature held public forums throughout Georgia for the purpose of developing position papers and recommendations for legislation in the areas of economics, health care, and community service.

All historical information courtesy of "History and Development of the Georgia Silver Haired Legislature" (author and date of publication unknown).

The Georgia Silver Haired Legislature disbanded on or about 2003.