September 2024

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, and we welcome your feedback and suggestions for future issues.

Message from Our Academic Lead


As September begins, we are excited to share the latest issue of our Aging Matters newsletter with you. Our newsletter supports our Centre's mission of creating an ecosystem for innovation in age-inclusive environments, practices, and policies by showcasing our collaborative endeavours, providing insights into aging research and education at the University of Calgary, and sharing resources to support our community in navigating the various aspects of aging.

I wanted to specifically highlight the recent release of our Centre-led research report of UCalgary's age-friendliness. Starting this Fall, we will be working with faculties and departments across the university to implement strategies that are informed by the results of our assessment to support UCalgary in realizing the full vision of an Age-Friendly University. More details about the research study are available on the Centre's website.


I encourage you to explore the articles, resources, and opportunities featured in this issue.


Sincerely,


Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc

Research Spotlight

CAFE Study


The Caregiving Aging and Financial Experiences (CAFE) Study is a longitudinal study of over 4,000 older Canadians conducted by Dr. Alex Bierman and Dr. Yeonjung Lee. Recently, two graduate students led research based on CAFE data. Megan Harmon, a master's student in Community Health Sciences, studied the impact of gender and education on self-esteem. Her research revealed that gender differences in self-esteem were negated when older adults cultivated high-quality social relationships. Fahimeh Mehrabi, a doctoral student in Sociology, compared loneliness in older adults based on their housing status and found that lack of home ownership poses a potential risk factor for loneliness in later-life through strains on personal finances.

From Left to Right: Alex Bierman, Yeonjung Lee, Megan Harmon, Fahimeh Mehrabi


Read the full feature here

UCalgary in the News

June 25, 2024

A transdisciplinary researcher’s journey from Egypt to Calgary

Read more

June 4, 2024

A commitment to age inclusivity: Assessing the university's age-friendly practices

Read more

May 28, 2024

Nursing doctoral researcher examines impact of medical assistance in dying on hospice nurses

Read more

Research Participation Opportunities

UCalgary Research Opportunities

Brain in motion II study

Learn more

Canadian platform for research online to investigate health, quality of life, cognition, behaviour, function, and caregiving in aging

Learn more

Exploring the lived experiences of Muslim senior citizen refugees aged 60+

Learn more

Internet delivered psychotherapy for older adults: Development and evaluation of an online problem-solving therapy program for depression

Learn more

Outdoor activity lifestyle intervention for people with dementia

Learn more

Other University Research Opportunities

Participate in research to co-design a caregiver-centered care champions community of practice!


Are you a health or social care provider who is interested in championing caregiver-centered care and making family caregivers visible and supported in your organization and communities?


Researchers at the University of Alberta are inviting you to participate in a study to co-design a caregiver-centered care community of practice.


Click here for study details and to sign up to participate


Events

Event Recap


The Centre on Aging hosted a dynamic research engagement event during Calgary Seniors' Week titled, "Engaging Together: Exploring Current and Future Research on Aging." The event brought together researchers, community and healthcare professionals, and the public.


The event featured a public presentation of the Centre's recent assessment of UCalgary's age-friendliness. Afterwards, attendees participated in roundtable discussions covering a wide range of aging research topics facilitated by 11 UCalgary faculty members.


Read more

Community Gathering: Driving and Dementia


Learn about the challenges individuals with dementia face when it comes to driving and how to navigate this complex issue.


September 18, 2024 | Calgary, AB

Learn more

Talking about Dementia: Introduction to Dementia


Learn about the expected challenges early in the dementia journey, including tips for those impacted by dementia to feel more confident, competent, and calm as they navigate changes.


September 21, 2024 I Calgary, AB

Learn more

Other Upcoming Events


Understanding Seniors Housing & Resource Fair

October 3, 2024 | Calgary, AB

Learn more


AGE-WELL Annual Conference

October 23 - 24, 2024 | Edmonton, AB

Learn more


conference_attendees.jpg

National, Provincial, and Local News

Exercise is key for Parkinson's relief. But bias, underdiagnosis hold black patients back

KFF Health News: August 12, 2024

Read more

As more seniors head online, efforts are needed to help their digital media literacy

CBC: July 26, 2024

Read more

Yukon says it's making progress supporting 'more and more' people who are aging in the territory

CBC: July 22, 2024

Read more

Canada's aging homeless population lacks essential medical care

BayToday: July 12, 2024

Read more

The More You Know

Volunteer for an Advisory Committee

Call for Older Adult Advisory Table volunteers: Contribute your voice to preparing Calgary for an aging population!

As an older adult, or caregiver of an older adult, you have insight into the challenges and opportunities our aging population faces. Help us shape the future of Calgary by becoming a member of the Older Adult Advisory Table (OAAT) for Age-Friendly Calgary.


Call for Advisory Committee on Accessibility volunteers: Share your advice for addressing issues, needs, and services for people with disabilities!


If you are 18 or older and a resident of Calgary, you are eligible. Appointments are for one and two year terms.


Resources

Women at the forefront of aging in Canada: Challenging the status quo for older women, Read the full report

Canada's 50 best free resources for seniors: Useful links & more, Read more

Join our Mailing List

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 a cross-faculty aging hub whose mission is to create an ecosystem for innovation in age-inclusive environments, practices, and policies. We are focused on catalyzing networks and leading collaborative innovations centered on older adults through education, research, and community engagement. Our vision is to achieve optimal health and well-being for older adults driven by evidence and in an inclusive manner.


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).