As a collaborative research and knowledge mobilization program at the RIA, A-HA aims to improve the health and well-being of older adults through the innovative use of food. A-HA has a team of four core researchers with expertise in applied nutrition and dietetics, food sensory science, and human health. The RIA team collaborates with the A-HA researchers and many other partners to develop new tools and resources so that research findings can be used in practice.

A-HA’s Key Objectives:
• Conduct research to advance knowledge in agri-food, nutrition and health as they apply to aging and mobilize research findings so they can be used in practice.
• Build capacity in this innovative area of expertise by engaging students in both research and knowledge mobilization activities.
• Enhance collaborative research and knowledge mobilization activities through strategic partnerships with agri-food and health sector stakeholders.

A-HA’s Approach:
A-HA’s research and knowledge mobilization activities focus on a ‘food-first’ approach to healthy aging, and explore topics across the farm-to-table continuum. The following two themes are central to our work:
• Eating to Live: Enhancing food to promote optimal nutrition for older adults and support their health and well-being
• Living to Eat: Enhancing the experience related to food and mealtimes to promote well-being and quality of life

A-HA was created in 2007 through the efforts of MaRS Landing, Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), and the Universities of Guelph and Waterloo. The A-HA program is supported by the University of Guelph and the RIA.