News

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...

Driving change in long-term care

For 15 years, the RIA has supported research and initiatives that enhance the quality of life and care of older adults, including those who call long-term care (LTC) home. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many to face the long-standing challenges in Ontario’s long-term...

Remembering Safieddin Safavi-Naeini

We are saddened to hear that Safieddin (Ali) Safavi-Naeini, RIA research scientist and Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo, has passed away. He was recognized globally for his contributions to electromagnetics and wireless...

Breaking down barriers to exercise with DICE

Imagine going to a new gym to take an exercise class, but you don’t know where to go once you step in the front door. There are no signs to direct you, or available staff to assist. Once you finally find the room, the music is a little too loud and you...

Seniors’ care enriched by Living Classroom model

Personal support workers (PSWs) provide hands-on care for more than 80,000 long-term care residents across Ontario. Their role in our healthcare system is vital to the well-being, health and quality of life of older adults. In early 2020, a report from the Ontario...

Minimizing injuries from the ground up

One-third of older Canadians fall each year, and most of them fall more than once. How they land could mean the difference between a broken hip or a few bumps and scrapes. When a fall leads to a fracture or other serious injury, it can be life-changing. While there...

McMaster-based study supports third vaccination for seniors

Dawn Bowdish and Andrew Costa, researchers with Canada’s Global Nexus for Pandemics and Biological Threats, have shared important initial findings from an unpublished study on COVID-19 immunity responses in Ontario long-term care facility residents. The study,...

New research funding explores bone health and fracture prevention in older men

It is a myth that osteoporosis is a women’s disease. Over one-third of osteoporosis-related fractures happen in men, and the large majority don’t receive proper screening and treatment. Newly funded research from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research will explore...

Dr. Linda Lee renewed as Schlegel Research Chair

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) and the Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team are pleased to announce the renewal of Schlegel Research Chair Dr. Linda Lee as chair in primary care for elders. Dr. Lee’s commitment to improving the lives...

Three new CABHI-funded projects address COVID-19 concerns

Congratulations to our researchers Kate Dupuis, Heather Keller and Linda Lee on their newly funded projects through the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) Spark-ON Program! Their projects were selected along with 21 other COVID-19-centric innovations...

Improving health and fitness at home

For almost a year and a half, we’ve been forced to adapt our exercise routines for home environments. Many people have signed up for virtual classes or worked with a fitness professional over a video call. Virtual exercise has several advantages, but is it feasible...

Now available online: SIIP Annual Newsletter

Kicking off in 2020, the Supporting Inclusion through Intergenerational Partnerships (SIIP) project brings generations together to address social isolation of older adults living with dementia and their care partners. The project is led by the Schlegel-UW Research...

New By Us For Us guide stands up to social isolation

Over the last year, many people have struggled with feelings of isolation and loneliness as regular routines and relationships were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For people living with dementia and care partners, the risk of social isolation is high even during...

Now available online: RIA Annual Report 2020

We are proud to present the 2020 RIA Annual Report: New Challenges, New Opportunities, now available online. Despite the unique challenges we face as a result of the pandemic, our work continues to improve the lives of older adults everywhere through innovation and...

LIVING the Dementia Journey program added to PSW Fund education offerings

The Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (Ontario CLRI) at the RIA is thrilled to announce that a second education training option has been added to the PSW Education Fund. Long-term care (LTC) homes can now enroll for tuition and...

Understanding spiritual care in long- term care: Before, during and beyond the pandemic

Spiritual care is an important part of life in long-term care (LTC) homes. Spiritual care providers can support well-being, promote resilience and provide opportunities for religious practice and rituals. However, there isn’t much regulation or consistency across LTC...

Schlegel family donates $6M to drive innovative research in healthy aging

WATERLOO (June 30, 2021) – The Schlegel family, long-standing residents of the Waterloo region and dedicated philanthropists, have made a $6M donation to the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) to support infrastructure that drives world-class research in...

Improving care with virtual education in long-term care

Ontario’s long-term care homes will have access to high-quality virtual education on person-centred care. The Ontario Ontario CLRI at the RIA is once again offering training through the Personal Support Worker Education Fund. The training is funded by the Ontario...