June 2025

The Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging's Aging Matters newsletter features University of Calgary aging-related research, education, and community initiatives. We hope you find this newsletter informative and engaging.

Announcement

Updated Strategic Plan for the Centre on Aging


The Centre’s recent move back to UCalgary’s Foothills Campus has strengthened our integration into the University’s research and education ecosystem focused on aging. It has also allowed us to build closer connections with other UCalgary institutes and programs. In response to this shift, we have updated our strategic plan. Our continued priorities include enhancing age inclusivity at UCalgary and beyond, and advancing transdisciplinary research that addresses the complex challenges of aging. We are also committed to enhancing our organizational culture and operations to support broad, university-wide growth in the field of aging.



Thank you for your continued support and engagement with the Centre. We look forward to working together to achieve our strategic goals.

Research Spotlight

Cultural Identity on the Menu: Enhancing Mealtime Practices in Long-Term and Residential Care Facilities

Older adults in long-term and residential care facilities often encounter difficulties accessing culturally inclusive mealtime practices that reflect their diverse backgrounds. In response to this issue, a team from the UCalgary Centre on Aging—led by Erin Davis (Research Coordinator) and Prangad Gupta (Student Research Assistant)—conducted a comprehensive scoping review to examine the current state of culturally diverse mealtime routines and menu options in these settings.

The scoping review, which involved an in-depth analysis of 42 literature sources, identified several key barriers that hinder the adoption of person-centred care during mealtimes. These barriers include rigid meal schedules, insufficient staff training, and budget constraints. The review also highlighted several promising practices, such as implementing flexible mealtime schedules, providing staff training on cultural food preparation, and establishing partnerships with cultural organizations.


Building on these findings, the review offers a number of recommendations to promote more culturally inclusive mealtime practices in long-term and residential care settings. These include actively involving families and communities in meal planning, increasing funding for culturally appropriate ingredients, and adopting flexible policies to support diverse dietary needs. In addition to the literature-based recommendations, the review emphasizes the need for broader systemic change to ensure culturally responsive care is embedded in everyday practice. To support implementation, the research team developed an infographic that outlines practical, actionable strategies for care facilities.

UCalgary in the News

June 1, 2025

Preventing urinary tract infections after menopause: What every woman should know

Read more

May 23, 2025

Expansion funding identifies causes of sex-dependent vulnerability in Alzheimer's disease

Read more

May 16, 2025

Calgary researcher says robot friends are key to solving senior loneliness

Read more

April 1, 2025

UCalgary researchers find important clues contributing to Alzheimer's disease

Read more

Research Participation Opportunities

Novel Ways to Study Driving of Older Adults


Participate in a study exploring mobile technology to improve decision-making about driving among older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.


Eligibility criteria:

  • Age 65 or older
  • Holds a valid driver's license
  • Owns an insured vehicle
  • Drives at least twice per week
  • Fluent in English

For more information please contact:



Shahab Alizadeh

Phone: 587-973-3930

Email: shahab.alizadeh@ucalgary.ca

Driver behaviour with advanced driver assistance systems

Learn more

Understanding motor recovery in subacute stroke using treadmill and virtual reality

Learn more

Virtual care for individuals with disabilities in rural or urban areas of Alberta

Learn more

Vestibular stimulation for improving balance and walking 

Learn more

Visit the UCalgary database for more research participation opportunities:

National, Provincial, and Local News

Calgary breaks ground on first-ever park for seniors with dementia in Canada

May 29, 2025

Read more

WHO member states recognize social connection as a global health priority

May 24, 2025

Read more

McGill researchers highlight disparities in 'aging in place'

May 12, 2025

Read more

What's preventing Canadians from aging in place

May 12, 2025

View here

Canada's population is aging, Where is everyone going to live?

May 12, 2025

Read more

This space is designed to help seniors and older adults age comfortably in their home

May 10, 2025

View here

The urgency, opportunity, and optimism of aging in Canada

May 10, 2025

Read more

Local seniors network launched to ease loneliness for elder immigrant Calgarians

April 23, 2025

Read more

Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging

O'Brien Institute for Public Health I Cumming School of Medicine I University of Calgary

Email: aging@ucalgary.ca I Phone: (403) 210-7208 I Website: https://obrieniph.ucalgary.ca/aging

The Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging is an interdisciplinary, cross-faculty hub at the University of Calgary, with a mission to foster innovations that improve the health and well-being of older adults by catalyzing connections and collaborations through research and education. Our vision is to achieve optimal health and well-being for older adults.



The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).