A $600,000 donation from AgeCare, a trusted provider of aging in place communities to seniors across Canada, to Mount Royal University's School of Nursing and Midwifery will fund a new research chair to expand the work of MRU's Centre for Health and Innovation in Aging.
The AgeCare Research Chair in Aging will work with MRU's existing Chair in Older Adult Health and play a key role in leading and expanding the Centre.
The Centre is a hub for aging adults, faculty, students, researchers, industry partners and care providers to promote health, independence and quality of life through four key areas: innovations in age technology, interdisciplinary research for healthy aging, collaboration and knowledge sharing and creating a social impact.
With this funding, Mount Royal will continue to be a key resource in the field of aging and the care of older adults. The new chair will undertake research to understand the multifaceted aspects of aging and develop innovative solutions with technology to enhance the quality of life for older adults, as well as advocate, educate, and collaborate on issues involving aging and seniors care. This important work will take place through MRU and AgeCare.
Quotes:
"The work of this new chair will deepen our understanding of the health needs of older adults, allowing us to generate new knowledge and inform the care of elderly people in our community, something we will all benefit from eventually. Thank-you AgeCare for this generous donation in this critical area of healthcare. The impact of this gift will not only be felt by MRU but the entire community and beyond."
Dr. Tim Rahilly, PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor MRU
"AgeCare is honoured to partner with Mount Royal University to establish the AgeCare Research Chair in Aging. This donation represents our commitment to continuous learning, innovative thinking, and the advancement of care and services for our aging population. The work resulting from this partnership will not only benefit those we serve within AgeCare communities but support the entire sector across Canada."
Salimah Walji-Shivji, Chief Executive Officer, AgeCare
"I'm thrilled to see the ongoing support for the Centre and the initiatives we've started at Mount Royal University. This generous donation will enable us to advance research that prioritizes the needs of older adults, ensuring their voices are not only heard, but integrated into the development of solutions that enhance their quality of life. Together, we are committed to ensuring the experiences and needs of older individuals are at the forefront of our efforts, making a meaningful impact in their care and community."
Jocelyn Rempel, RN MN, Chair in Older Adult Health
"The School of Nursing and Midwifery at MRU is more than a hub for innovative scholarship; it is a dynamic community that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. With the generous donation from AgeCare and the establishment of this research chair, we are poised to undertake pioneering and groundbreaking initiatives that address the complex needs of our aging population. This work will be instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and practice, ensuring that our research effectively informs and enhances the quality of life, well-being, independence, and dignity of older adults. We appreciate this generous donation from AgeCare".
Dr. Joseph Osuji, PhD, Director of the School of Nursing and Midwifery