News

International conference highlights importance of spirituality and aging

This month, spiritual care providers, academics and researchers, senior care leaders, older adults and those interested in spirituality are coming together to discuss the importance of building connections, communicating and listening at the 9th International...

Schlegel Research Chairs join National Long-Term Care Service Standards Technical Committee

The RIA congratulates Schlegel Research Chairs Heather Keller and Veronique Boscart for their appointment to the National Long-Term Care (LTC) Service Standards Technical Committee. This group, composed of leaders in the LTC sector, direct support workers, care...

In Memory of Arnold Mitnitski

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Arnold Mitnitski. Professor Mitnitski’s contributions to the field of aging research and the development of the frailty index, a measure of health and risk assessment, changed the way we support our oldest citizens. He...

Seniors Month message from executive director Josie d’Avernas

Dear friends, As I prepare to leave a fulfilling and busy career and look forward to more free time to be actively engaged in life in different ways, I reflect on RIA’s growth, impact, and promise for the future. A bright light for the RIA in 2020 was the completion...

New resource helps create intergenerational connections through music therapy

If there is one thing we have learned through the pandemic, it’s that music and the arts can build connections and strengthen relationships even when we can’t be together. Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging Kate Dupuis knows exactly how music can be used to...

New technology uses sensors to collect information at home and support healthy aging

In recent years, smart home devices have become more and more popular. Items such as smart thermostats, home security systems and home assistants are becoming commonplace in many homes. These devices are often controlled by cell phones and collect data to help us live...

RIA researchers look at ways to reimagine long-term care post pandemic

Several researchers at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging recently published a paper in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association discussing the impacts of COVID-19 on long-term care (LTC) homes. The paper, titled Reflecting on the COVID-19...

Tina Mah joins the RIA as executive director

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is pleased to announce that Tina Mah, PhD, will be joining the team as executive director. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role with many years of senior executive leadership experience. She is...

MAREP featured on Dementia Dialogue podcast

The latest episode of the Dementia Dialogue Podcast featured RIA’s Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP) and two familiar faces. Brenda Hounman, a dementia advocate, person living with dementia and By Us For Us Guide founder, and Sherry Dupuis, RIA...

UWaterloo and RIA announce search for Schlegel Chair in Technology for Healthy Aging

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging and the Department of Systems Design Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo are excited to announce the search for the next Schlegel Chair in Technology for Healthy Aging. This Chair will...

Studying how well vaccinations work in long-term care

Andrew Costa, Schlegel Research Chair in Clinical Epidemiology, is leading a study in Ontario long-term care (LTC) homes to learn about how well COVID-19 vaccines work in residents and what factors contribute to outbreaks in LTC homes. The RIA is excited to be a...

The effects of inactivity on earth and in space

When older adults experience long stretches of inactivity such as bed rest, the lack of use causes parts of the body to experience deconditioning. The heart, bones and muscles can all experience a decrease in function, which can lead to stiffening in the arteries and...

Technology on the International Space Station supports aging research at the RIA

Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) are helping a research team based at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) develop strategies for healthy aging. The research is made possible through technology aboard the ISS that is being operated...

Jen Boger stepping down as Schlegel Research Chair

The RIA team wishes Jen Boger all the best as she leaves her role as Schlegel Research Chair in Technology for Independent Living. She has relocated to the West coast with her family, but will continue collaborating with the RIA as a research scientist. Jen joined the...

RIA enhancing national dementia care

December 2020 In 2019, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced the launch of Canada’s first national dementia strategy, a milestone in our country’s efforts to help people affected by dementia and address the impact of dementia on social and health care systems....

Changing nutrition care across Canada and around the world

December 2020 Food is central to our overall health and quality of life. Nutrition becomes even more important during times of recovery and healing, yet many older people in hospital don’t get the nutrients they need. Schlegel Research Chair Heather Keller is a global...

RIA announces $1.3M in funding for community programs supporting intergenerational partnerships

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is pleased to announce over $1.3 Million has been awarded to community projects in Waterloo Region supporting older adults living with dementia. Supporting Inclusion through Intergenerational Partnership (SIIP) is a...

RIA released new strategic plan for 2021-23

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is proud to present the 2021-23 Strategic Plan. The RIA supports research and explores aging across various topics by engaging stakeholders throughout the research process. Using these research findings, we then...

RIA receives $2M in federal funding to lead national dementia projects

La version française du communiqué se trouve sous la version anglaise. Nearly half a million Canadians are living with dementia, and that number will grow as the population ages. The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) was awarded $2M in federal funding to...

Sharing stories of the arts connects older adults across Canada

On September 24, 2020, Kate Dupuis, Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging, hosted Arts and Aging Day Canada, a social media event dedicated to profiling artistic activities in older adults’ and their care partners across the nation. Supported by the Schlegel-UW...