March 6, 2020

At the RIA, we are proud to support our female researchers who are making great strides in a variety of aging research topics. From finding ways to enhance the diets of older adults, to developing exercise programs that keep us healthy as we age to exploring new ways to educate the healthcare workforce our female researchers are working to improve the lives of older adults in Canada and around the world.

Learn more about our female researcher chairs and specialists and see how they are working to enhance life for older adults:

 

Jen Boger M.Sc., PhD, P.Eng., Schlegel Research Chair in Technology for Independent Living, University of Waterloo, creates intelligent assistive technologies that enhance the health, safety, well-being and independence of older adults. Her collaborative approach results in technologies that reflect the needs, abilities and contexts of the people using them.

 

 

Veronique Boscart RN, PhD, CIHR/Schlegel Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Seniors Care, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, works to develop a competent workforce prepared to care for an increasingly complex aging population. Her research focuses on developing education and training programs, models of care and best practices for professionals working with seniors.

 

Lora Giangregorio PhD, Schlegel Research Chair in Mobility and Aging, University of Waterloo, investigates how to reduce fractures in people living with osteoporosis. Her team investigates the effects of exercise interventions and ways of increasing participation in safe and effective physical activity.

 

 

Heather Keller RD, M.Sc., PhD, FCAHS, Schlegel Research Chair in Nutrition and Aging, University of Waterloo, examines the impacts a quality diet and mealtime ambience have on the health and well-being of older adults. Her research finds ways to improve nutritional status, mealtime satisfaction and promote person-centred care in homes.

 

 

Linda Lee MD, MCISc.(FM), CCFP, FCFP, Schlegel Chair in Primary Care for Elders, Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, works to improve the care of older adults with cognitive impairment and dementia using an interprofessional model of care and training program to support the spread of primary care Memory Clinics.

 

 

Carrie McAiney MA, PhD, Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia, University of Waterloo, focuses her research on enhancing care and support for persons living with dementia and their family members, and improving the quality of work life for team members involved in their care.

 

 

Kate Dupuis PhD, Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging, Sheridan College, investigates the relationship between the arts and health and well-being for older adults and their care partners, building on the concepts of individual strengths and lifelong learning. She is both a scientist and a clinical neuropsychologist.

 

 

Joanne Ho MD, FRCPC, M.Sc., Schlegel Clinical Research Scientist, McMaster University, studies adverse drug events in older adults using real-world data. Her program, GeriMedRisk, assists clinicians across the province to prescribe safely to older adult patients with complex illnesses on multiple medications.

 

 

Jane Kuepfer MDiv, RP, PhD, Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging, Conrad Grebel University College, explores how spirituality in older adults helps maintain vitality and mediates acceptance in times of change and loss. Her research aims to help homes in Ontario make spiritual care meaningful and accessible for all in our changing society.

 

 

Linda Sheiban Taucar RN, M.Sc., Schlegel Associate Research Chair, Conestoga College, coordinates gerontological research focused on optimizing care practices to improve wellbeing in older adults. She also develops curriculum to enhance future health care providers’ gerontological competencies.