Location |
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Director | Amanda Grenier |
Website | http://gilbrea.mcmaster.ca |
The Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging is an interdisciplinary research centre focused on the study of aging, with expertise in the social, cultural and politics of aging.[1] The Centre aims to improve the lives of older adults by linking research with local, national and international policy and practice initiatives. The Centre is housed in the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University[2] in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and maintains a close relationship with the Department of Health, Aging and Society.[3][4] Over 55 associated faculty members from across the University contribute to research within the Centre [5]
Background and funding
The Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging was founded as a research centre in 2011 after receiving a donation.[1] The Centre was named after the donor’s ancestral estate in Northern England, and now carries on the legacy of the Gilbrea name.[6] Prior to this, the Centre was known as the McMaster Centre for Gerontological Studies (founded in 1985) and included both teaching and research. Teaching is now located in the Department of Health, Aging and Society.
Membership and governance structure
The Gilbrea Centre consists of four membership groups that facilitate interdisciplinary research and engage in meaningful forms of knowledge exchange: Associate Members (Faculty), Student Members, Partner Organizations, and Seniors. The governance structure for the Gilbrea Centre includes an Executive Committee and an Advisory Board composed of representatives from academic research (Faculty and student), partner organizations, older people and business/industry.[5]
The Centre also facilitates the Seniors Helping Advance Research Excellence (S.H.A.R.E.) group – a group of over 355 seniors aged 55+ who volunteer for student, faculty and graduate research on a variety of topics.[5]
In 2015, the Gilbrea Centre established a Senior-Scholar-in-Residence position– a senior academic who conducts research on aging with faculty, staff, and partner organizations. Margaret Denton, Professor Emeritus at McMaster University is the current Senior-Scholar.[5]
Research
Research conducted at the Gilbrea Centre for Studies on Aging addresses five themes:[7]
- Aging and Place
- Policy and the Life Course
- Indigenous Aging
- Diversity and Inequality
- Technology and Aging
Community partnerships and knowledge exchange
Working in collaboration with the city of Hamilton, the Hamilton Council on Aging, the Senior’s Advisory Council and a number of community partners, the Gilbrea Centre has played a central role in the development and implementation of Hamilton’s Plan for an Age-Friendly city. In 2014, the Gilbrea Centre hosted the 43rd Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology. The Centre also regularly partners with the Alzheimer’s Society of Hamilton and Halton and the Geriatric Education and Research in Aging Sciences (GERAS) Centre[8] to run community-based events. Community events are generally free and open to the public.
Programming
In addition to research, the Gilbrea Centre has a regular program that includes an annual public lecture (Karl Kinanen lecture); an annual scholarly seminar series; an ‘aging, care and literature’ reading group that examines contemporary literary texts on aging; and several topical events related to research, policy and/or practice.[9] The Centre plays an important role in connecting scholars with community organizations, government, and older people. Events are attended by researchers, students, clinicians, seniors, and the public.
Student training and support
The Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging provides opportunities and support for students to connect with peers and faculty members who are conducting research on aging. The Centre oversees a student-directed research group for McMaster graduate students with an interest in gerontology and aging studies. Additionally, the Centre supports students through scholarships and travel bursaries, including the E.B. Ryan Scholarship, and the Ronald Bayne Gerontology Award.[1]
References
- ^ a b c "Gilbrea". Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging.
- ^ http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/30794.html
- ^ https://healthagingandsociety.mcmaster.ca/
- ^ https://www.research.mcmaster.ca/research-chairs-and-institutes/gcsa
- ^ a b c d "Overview". Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging.
- ^ http://gilbrea.mcmaster.ca/gilbrea
- ^ "Research". Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging.
- ^ http://gerascentre.ca/collaboration/research-partners/
- ^ "Events". Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging.