WATERLOO, Ont. (Wednesday, September 13, 2017) – The Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Lora Giangregorio has been appointed the Schlegel Research Chair in Mobility and Aging.

Fractures and falls are a major concern for older adults, but there are simple ways to reduce the risk. Dr. Giangregorio’s research explores how exercise can help to maintain and improve mobility and lower the risk of falls and fractures. Her research team shares what they learn, supporting the development of safe and effective exercise programs, to help older adults stay fit, strong, and mobile.

Dr. Giangregorio’s passion to improve both health and quality of life drives her work. Physical activity has many health benefits, and makes a difference in people’s lives. This new position with RIA will enable her to expand this work and collaborate closely with health care providers, care partners and older adults.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the RIA over the past several years, and I am honoured to become a Schlegel Research Chair,” says Dr. Giangregorio. “This role will inspire new research and collaborations, and allow our team to put our research into practice. Our goal is to support older adults in staying fit and mobile throughout later life.”

Over the next few years, Dr. Giangregorio and her team will focus on advancing exercise guidelines for individuals with osteoporosis. Education for health care providers, care partners and older adults about the benefits of exercise will be another priority.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Giangregorio to our team of Schlegel Research Chairs,” says Josie d’Avernas, Executive Director at RIA. “Her focus on practical application and providing older adults with the tools and resources they need to stay active is in perfect alignment with RIA’s mission.”

To mark the beginning of this new role with RIA, Dr. Giangregorio delivered a public lecture to a sold out audience at the Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Aging in Waterloo. Fellow researchers and community members were in attendance. The event was hosted by RIA in collaboration with the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, where Dr. Giangregorio is also an Associate Professor.

About the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging

The Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a non-profit, charitable organization that partners with the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Schlegel Villages, and many other organizations and academic institutions, to enhance the quality of life and care of older adults. By integrating research, education and practice, RIA supports practice-relevant research and mobilizes research evidence so it can inform programs, be integrated into education and training, and influence practice and policy. The best of what is learned is then shared broadly to benefit older adults everywhere. For more information go to www.the-ria.ca.

Media Contact

Hilary Dunn
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging
hilary.dunn@uwaterloo.ca
519-904-0660 ext. 4104