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. | |
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Message from Our Academic Lead
The UCalgary Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging is pleased to present our inaugural Aging Matters newsletter to you - our community members. The Mission of the Centre is to create an ecosystem for innovation in age-inclusive environments, practices, and polices. This newsletter will help to broadly share our collaborative endeavours by providing information about relevant research, education, and community projects and events.
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The Centre has developed a new Strategic Plan that will carry us into 2028. This plan includes leading and supporting activities focused on (i) using technology and innovation to rethink facility-based continuing care, (ii) transdisciplinary approaches to aging research and scholarship, and (iii) increasing the age-friendliness of UCalgary and the City of Calgary. To learn about our activities this past year, read our 2023-24 annual report. Our newsletter will provide updates on our progress towards realizing our Mission.
I hope you enjoy reading our newsletter and find the information useful.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc
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ICanWALK Research
Over one-third of Canadians aged 75 and older use walking aids such as canes, crutches, and walkers to improve their mobility and balance. However, the use of walking aids may result in upper body pain, injury, and increased risk of falling. These risks likely increase when walking aid users are not properly fit with their devices or trained on how to use them. To address this, Maureen O'Brien (Master's Student) and research team Dr. Ranita Manocha and Cheryl Barnabe, of the University of Calgary, have developed a video-based interactive mobile application known as Improving Canadians' Walking Aid Learning, Skills and Knowledge© (ICanWALK©).
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The ICanWALK© app allows users to select a specific skill related to fitting or walking with their walking aid and watch an instructional video on that skill. They then videotape themselves while performing the skill and compare it to the instructional video while being guided through a series of assessment questions. In their study, after using the ICanWALK© app twice, participants experienced a 13% increase in balance confidence. Furthermore, feedback from participants has been promising, with many finding the app easy to use and understand. Participants have also reported an improvement in their overall mobility. The ultimate goal is to make the ICanWALK© app available to all Canadians, increasing the accessibility of walking aid training, and improving the care of older adults. | |
April 8, 2024
Hackathon encourages digital health solutions from graduate students in nursing and engineering, Read more
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March 28, 2024
A prescription for female fitness, Read more
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March 28, 2024
New clinical guidelines and toolkit aim to light the way forward for those affected by dementia, Read more
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March 21, 2024
Now Innovating: Improving balance and mobility for older adults, athletes and astronauts with wearable tech, Read more
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February 24, 2024
Ward off loneliness by strengthening social connections, Read more
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January 28, 2024
Study looks at dementia and the aging brain, Read more
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January 23, 2024
Study looks at links between physical activity and finding community, Read more
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Research Participation Opportunities | |
Factors influencing the use of non-drug treatments for seniors with early dementia
Learn more
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SEED: A study of post-stroke experiences and priorities of elderly living with dementia and their family caregivers
Learn more
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June 3-9
City Wide Events
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Seniors' Week is June 3-9, 2024 with a number of events happening across the city.
Visit the Telus Spark Science Centre, meet-up for coffee, tea, and conversation, join a fitness or recreation class, learn about fire and fall safety, learn to water color, see a play, and so much more.
Learn more
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June 4, 11am - 3pm
Town & Country Centre
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Airdrie Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Festival | |
Volunteer Airdrie is hosting a Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Festival on June 4, 2024. This event, as part of Alberta Seniors' Week, will include a buffet lunch, live entertainment, door prizes, and a trade fair.
Learn more
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June 4, 11:30am - 2:30pm
Foothills Centennial Centre
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Okotoks Seniors' Celebration Lunch | |
The Town of Okotoks is hosting a Seniors' Celebration Lunch, including live entertainment, an art installation project, and professional photo booth.
Learn more
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June 3-10
Town of Cochrane
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The Town of Cochrane has a week of events for adults 50+. Get out for movies, picnics, yoga, line dancing, spaghetti lunches, coffee and conversation, games, Qigong, a petting zoo, and more.
Learn more
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National, Provincial, and Local News | |
High-risk Albertans Urged to Get Another COVID-19 Vaccination
CBC News: May 7, 2024
Read more
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Gen X and Baby Boomer Students Are Changing the Way I Teach
Business Insider: May 7, 2024
Read more
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The Current: How Hospitals, Long-term Care Impact Older Adults
CBC The Current: March 2024
Read more
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Older adult mental health and well-being: What is the issue? from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Learn more | |
Consultations on the social and economic impacts of ageism in Canada: “What we heard” report, Read more | |
The Disrupt Aging Collection® - Getty Images and the American Association of Retired Persons are proud to present a new collection that redefines what it means to get older, Check out the collection | |
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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).
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