2024 – 2029 Strategic Plan
Future Facing, Global Impact
In a world where the needs and aspirations of older adults are evolving rapidly, the RIA is committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation to enable successful aging.
This commitment becomes even more crucial in response to the already-unfolding shifts in population demographics. The coming quarter-century looms as a testing ground, where the very limits of health systems and care resources will be pushed to the brink. In response, our holistic approach to research and innovation will serve as a guiding light, illuminating the spectrum of solutions to navigate this uncharted terrain.
Addressing the challenges of today remains paramount, as it lays the foundation for a society where older adults can fully participate and enjoy life to the fullest. By integrating expertise, diverse perspectives, and innovative methodologies, we are paving the way to a more age-friendly world where every older adult experiences empowerment and fulfillment.
Letter from Tina Mah
I am pleased to present the RIA’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan. As you know, the RIA tackles some of the biggest issues facing our aging population and we are confident that this strategy will amplify our efforts to find innovative solutions that enhance care and quality of life for older adults.
The contents of this report were shaped by consultations with our partners, stakeholders, community members, team members and our board. We would like to thank you for your insights and your continued support and leadership as we implement this plan.
We know aging is a multifaceted issue and requires a holistic approach that considers the whole person. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, and working collaboratively to co-design solutions for our local and global communities. This strategy ensures the RIA continues to meet real needs, and addresses the pressing issues of today while preparing for the looming challenges of the future.
Over the next five years, we will advance research, fuel evidence, mobilize knowledge and strengthen capacity. Our efforts will drive much-needed change, creating an age-friendly world where every older adult is empowered to live fully.
Thank you for your contributions and continued leadership.
Tina M. Mah, PhD
Executive Director
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging
Over the next five years, we will focus on our strategic aims to advance research, fuel evidence, mobilize knowledge, and strengthen capacity.
Our strategic aims
Four aims, one holistic approach to aging
Each aim carries its five-year goals with it — use the arrows, dots, swipe, or arrow keys to move through them.
Advance research
Advance interdisciplinary research to tackle the needs of current and future generations of older adults.
- Facilitate a team-based, interdisciplinary approach that enhances the autonomy, independence, and well-being of older adults.
- Foster local, national, and international research collaborations to maximize and drive impact.
Five-year goals
- Establish four new RIA research chairs or specialists.
- Secure three interdisciplinary grants and support clinical trials.
- Over 700 national and international research collaborators.
- A formal partnership with at least one international organization.
- Research and program grant funding exceeds $105 million.
Fuel evidence
Develop impactful programs and resources that incubate, accelerate, and mobilize evidence to practice.
- Harness the art and science of co-design so the voices of older adults and care partners shape our research and programs.
- Rigorously evaluate under real-world conditions to reliably advise practice change.
- Grow our unique living research environment to reflect a dynamic landscape.
Five-year goals
- Give leadership to the development of co-design guidance for research, education, and practice.
- Contribute to best practices in evaluation applied in senior living.
- Promote uptake of evidence-informed programming in Schlegel Villages and other networks.
Mobilize knowledge
Proactively exchange knowledge to inform policy and care that elevates the quality of life of older adults.
- Mobilize evidence-informed resources, education, and training to respond to current and forecasted needs.
- Expand our reach and influence through local, national, and international networks.
Five-year goals
- Engaged annually in at least three international or national platforms informing policy and care.
- At least eight research and program outcomes inform policy and care.
- 90%+ of learners intend to apply what they learned when providing care to older adults.
- Publish at least 500 articles in peer-reviewed journals.
- Distribute over 1.3 million digital and hard-copy resources.
Strengthen capacity
Strengthen organizational capacity to ensure the sustainability of our efforts and thriving community partnerships.
- Ensure active engagement and partnerships with our community that draw in champions of our mission.
- Build a resilient, responsive organizational culture to support our growth and reach.
Five-year goals
- At least 4,000 community members actively engaged through RIA research, events, and tours.
- Strengthen existing partnerships and establish new partnerships with community organizations.
- Donations exceed $10.7 million.
- The RIA receives external recognition for its workplace culture.
Thank you
The 2024–2029 strategic plan was informed by a review of publicly available resources and interviews with over 100 key participants, including representatives from government, health care, education, research, and the community, as well as RIA researchers, board members, and staff.
Our impact is made possible through collaborations, including our core partnerships and many other academic institutions and organizations.