Centre for Elder Research shares expertise in support of age-friendly communities

June is Seniors Month in Ontario, and the Centre for Elder Research (CER) has marked the celebration with two impactful events highlighting its leadership in aging-related research.

Aging in Ontario webinar

On June 11, CER and Sheridan’s Advancement and Alumni Office co-hosted a public webinar exploring the experience of aging in Ontario.

Centre researchers Drs. Lia Tsotsos, Karen Slonim, Kate Dupuis and others shared insights from their extensive research, offering guidance on navigating aging-related policies, planning for the future and supporting aging loved ones. The session emphasized CER’s commitment to Lab to Life® research – ensuring that research findings directly inform and enhance the lives of older adults.

Recent examples of this approach include CER’s work as a community-based testing site for innovative neurotech solutions for remote cognitive health monitoring and its deep involvement with food banks and other community supports to address food insecurity amongst older adults from a variety of perspectives.

Healthcare Infrastructure for Aging Populations

Just a week later, on June 18, Dr. Tsotsos, Generator at Sheridan's Director of Research and Innovation, presented at the Healthcare Infrastructure for Aging Populations event in Vancouver, B.C.

In partnership with Shary Adams, Healthcare Practice Area Leader at Gensler, Dr. Tsotsos discussed how CER’s history of interdisciplinary projects in long-term care (LTC) can influence thoughtful design and improve outcomes in aging care environments.

Examples of LTC-based projects include the development and delivery of tech training programs, the use of the Nintendo Wii for physical activity and socialization, intergenerational music therapy, and the integrated use of arts and creativity to promote health and well-being for staff and residents. Together, these projects demonstrate how research can drive innovation in service and space planning to better support the health and well-being of both residents and care providers.

“At the Centre for Elder Research, we take pride in leading initiatives that not only address the evolving needs of older adults but also reimagine the environments in which they age,” said Dr. Tsotsos. “Through interdisciplinary research and strong industry and community partnerships, we’re shaping age-friendly systems and spaces that promote dignity, inclusion and quality of life.”

About Seniors Month in Ontario and CER

Seniors Month in Ontario is a designated month to acknowledge and honour the amazing seniors in our lives across the province.

These events underscore CER’s role as a national thought leader in aging, continually advancing inclusive, evidence-based solutions for age-friendly communities across Canada. Learn more at sheridancollege.ca/elder-research.