Harper Government Invests in the Health of Seniors
International research projects to focus on active and healthy aging
For immediate release –2012-59
Toronto, Ontario (November 8, 2012) – The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced Harper Government funding for five international research projects to help keep seniors active. The projects reflect a diverse range of important issues facing seniors such as hearing loss, assisted living technologies, continence, mobility in urban areas and care in residential facilities.
“Our Government is committed to continuously finding ways to help Canada’s seniors remain active, engaged and informed,” said Minister of State Wong. “We are pleased to support these international research projects, which will provide new information to guide policies, programs and practices to enhance the quality of life of seniors and their families.”
The five research projects supported by the Harper Government are funded under the European Research Area on Ageing (ERA-AGE), Europe’s first joint research program in aging. The projects were funded through a call for applications on “Active and Healthy Ageing Across the Life Course”. Canadian researchers will be working with partners in Finland, Sweden, Israel, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, France and Norway. Funding from the Government of Canada was provided through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Minister Wong will visit one of the research projects at the University of Toronto, following the announcement. Dr. Bruce Schneider, a researcher at the University of Toronto Mississauga, will work on a project that aims to identify new approaches to help seniors with hearing loss. People who have difficulties hearing often avoid public spaces and social interactions. By developing new methods for coping with hearing loss, Dr. Schneider and his team, which includes partners in Israel, Finland and the UK, will help seniors lead more enjoyable, active, and satisfactory life style.
“The opportunities and challenges of an aging society are not singular to Canada. International collaborations are necessary to more quickly and effectively take advantage of the opportunities and find solutions to complex challenges”, said Dr. Yves Joanette, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Aging. “The significance of the Canadian contribution to the international teams being announced today is a testament to the excellence of researchers in the area of aging in Canada, and their ability to connect globally and benefit from others’ experiences.”
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To arrange interviews, please contact:
David Coulombe, CIHR Media Relations, 613-941-4563, Cell: 613-808-7526,
Mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada’s health research investment agency. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
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