News

For those who will someday die

Aging brings us into the reality of our own and others’ mortality and the end of our material bodies. Advancements in treatment options for most life-threatening diseases have increased our options exponentially, and now the responsibility for our choices lies...

PREP LTC LTC opens next round of funding for long-term care homes

The Preceptor Resource and Education Program in Long-Term Care (PREP LTC LTC) opened the next round of enrollment to help build a skilled long-term care (LTC) workforce and support homes across Ontario with funding from the Ministry of Long-Term Care. The PREP LTC LTC...

Jane Kuepfer renewed as Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) and Conrad Grebel University College are thrilled to announce the renewal of Jane Kuepfer as Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging. Kuepfer’s research in the area of spiritual care and aging has...

6 tips to create a successful intergenerational program

Did you know… social isolation has a significant impact on the well-being and physical and mental health of older adults and those providing them with care. Social isolation is often defined as the objective lack of, or limited, social contact with others. The good...

Waterloo and the RIA Welcome New Schlegel Research Chair in Technology for Healthy Aging

Cosmin Munteanu, a leading multidisciplinary researcher in human-computer interaction has been appointed the new Schlegel Research Chair in Technology for Healthy Aging. Their research works at the intersection of aging and technology, focusing on facilitating...

Virtual reality’s promising use for older adults

John Munoz, a University of Waterloo engineering postdoctoral fellow, designs video games. Not the kind your grandchildren play, however. As a member of the Games Institute and the Intelligent Technologies for Wellness and Independent Living lab directed by RIA...

RFP: RIA Website Redevelopment

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is seeking an individual/organization to lead and manage the redesign of our organizational website (www.the-ria.ca). Our organization has experienced significant growth and expansion since our last website...

New approach to advance care planning preferred by Canadian long-term care residents

Researchers have developed a better way to support end-of-life planning in long-term care homes, according to a recent study. The researchers also found that only 40 per cent of homes were routinely involving residents in end-of-life care discussions. “Often people...

Five foods for healthy aging

Most older adults are not consuming enough key nutrients to stay healthy. The best way to get the nutrients our bodies need is through the foods that we eat, that’s why it’s important to choose foods that are nutrient-dense or rich in protein, fibre, vitamins and...

Dr. Joanne Ho appointed Schlegel Chair in Geriatric Pharmacotherapy

WATERLOO, Ont. – Dr. Joanne Ho, a leading Canadian clinician and researcher in medication and drug therapy in older adults, has been appointed the Schlegel Chair in Geriatric Pharmacotherapy. Her research is focused on improving prescribing practices and medication...

Remembering Barb Schlegel

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Barb Schlegel. She was a driven, energetic woman who radiated warmth, and was passionate about making the world a better place for older adults. Barb was a strong supporter of the RIA, and we will miss her greatly. ...

Gert Hartmann is retiring from the RIA

Gert Hartmann, RIA’s director of business development and community partnerships, will be retiring on February 25, 2022 after 8 years with the organization. Her retirement will allow her to spend more time supporting her soon-to-be 98 year old father and family. In...

New $73M project provides financial support to long-term care for optimal clinical placements

WATERLOO, Ont. (February 10, 2022) Ontario long-term care homes will receive education and financial support to provide optimal clinical placements for personal support worker and nursing students through the Preceptor Resource and Education Program for Long-Term Care...

Livening virtual visits with music therapy

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the way residents in long-term care and their families and friends connect. Virtual visits have become more popular and often necessary, but it can be challenging to connect with loved ones through a screen. Team...

Spiritual resilience during the pandemic

Spiritual care recognizes and responds to the needs of the human spirit. It supports practices, beliefs and relationships that people find meaningful and often turn to for help in difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Chi-Ping Loreta Sinn, Kinesiology...

Q&A with Andrew Costa: 3rd Dose and COVID-19 Immunity in Long-Term Care

In the first webinar of our Research Break series, Andrew Costa, Schlegel Research Chair in Clinical Epidemiology, discussed his study looking at COVID-19’s impact on long-term care residents, staff and visitors. He also explained the current research on the need for...

RIA research scientist Alfred Yu wins national fellowship

RIA research scientist Alfred Yu is developing the next generation of ultrasound technology. His innovative work has earned him the 2021 E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship for highly promising researchers from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of...

New initiative helps people navigate a dementia diagnosis

Research shows that when a dementia diagnosis is made, the supports provided often aren’t enough. Most people feel overwhelmed, and they don’t get the support, resources and help they need. Forward with Dementia was created to address this issue. The University...

Arts and Aging Day Canada: Expressing with creativity to improve quality of life

Studies have shown that the arts can enhance quality of life for older adults. Participating in the arts can bring people together, provide an opportunity for personal growth, and spark fond memories. Unfortunately, there is a limited focus on the arts for older...

RIA awarded 2021 Betty Havens Prize for Knowledge Mobilization in Aging

WATERLOO, Ont. – The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) has been awarded the 2021 Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute for Aging Betty Havens Prize for Knowledge Mobilization in Aging. The prize recognizes outstanding achievements and...