Research in aging: up close and personal

For over 40 years, the Centre on Aging has been engaging researchers, students, older adults, representatives from community organization, health and social agencies, government, and the general public in a dialogue on aging. Each May, the Centre on Aging hosts their annual Spring Research Symposium, which will return to the Fort Garry Campus after nearly 20 years of being on the Bannatyne campus. Join us to hear Centre Research Affiliates and student researchers discuss current topics in aging, engage with exhibitors, and discover the Age-Friendly University Showcase. The Symposium is free to attend, but registration is required.

This year’s Symposium will take place:

Wednesday, May 8 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 204 Marshall McLuhan Hall, UMSU University Centre (and online) Fort Garry Campus

Spring Research Symposium presentations:

Aging research brings together a diverse group of researchers and professionals together. Our presenters will put a spotlight on research areas such as the social aspects of aging, age inclusivity, and using technology to support and promote aging in place at home, and more.

As the only research centre focused specifically on aging in the province, the Centre on Aging is bringing together six of their Research Affiliates from the University of Manitoba (UM) and Brandon University, who will present sessions on:

· smart technologies in at-home rehabilitation,

· improving age inclusivity at the University of Manitoba,

· older adults’ roles in Taiwanese Indigenous communities,

· preventing violence in long-term care,

· a framework for adult community rehabilitation, and

· in home companion robots to support wellness.

Between sessions, in person Symposium attendees can learn about current research over the breaks and lunch hour during the poster session. Connect with our poster presenters on the second floor in the multi-purpose room (MPR) in UMSU University Centre.

Exhibitors will also be participating in this year’s Symposium. Find out about the different programs and resources available to older people, caregivers, and their families by stopping by one of the tables and connecting with representatives available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While this year’s Symposium will be hosted in a hybrid format, we encourage you to come in person and meet our researchers, but also connect with your fellow Symposium attendees.

Bringing in an age-friendly university perspective

In addition to the Centre’s regular Symposium events, the Age-Friendly University Showcase will take place in the MPR as a stand-alone event. No registration is required, and you are invited to check out the various tables and meet invited representatives from across the UM who will share information about programs and services open to the public.

In 2016, the University of Manitoba endorsed the 10 Age-Friendly University principles, making it the first Age-Friendly University in Canada to join a global network of post-secondary institutions looking to engage older people and be part of the university’s community. To highlight what the UM has been doing as an Age-friendly University, Centre Director, Dr. Michelle Porter will present, University of Manitoba efforts to improve its age inclusivity, during the morning session of the Symposium.

You might be asking yourself, what is an Age-Friendly University (AFU)? An AFU supports lifelong learning through various educational initiatives, cultural programs, wellness activities and engages older members in a globally aging world.

At the AFU University Showcase taking place May 8 in the UMSU University Centre, you can find a little something for everyone. Whether you are interested in taking courses or furthering your education, participating in active aging classes, supporting the arts and theatre community, or connecting with university alumni, say hello to some of the UM representatives from Extended Education, the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Family Resources, and others. Registration is not required to attend the Showcase.

As Michelle Porter says, “the University of Manitoba provides a treasure trove of opportunities for people of all ages through employment, volunteering for research studies, lifelong learning, engaging in recreational or health and wellness programming, attending cultural or sporting events, or interacting with people from around the world and from different generations.” Come out and

learn more about free tuition for those who are 65 and older, and many other opportunities specifically for older adults at the University of Manitoba.”

Learn more about this year’s Symposium and Age-Friendly University Showcase

For more details on this year’s Symposium program and registration, and to find out more about the Age-Friendly University Showcase, visit the Centre’s website.

Rachel Ines, Centre on Aging