Grant: Summer Program in Aging

As I am a postdoctoral fellow with a background in physiotherapy, I am looking to improve the health and well-being of older adults, particularly those living with chronic pain. Chronic pain is a common condition affecting one in three older adults in Canada. My current research, funded by McMaster University's Institutes for Aging and Pain Research, focuses on understanding older adults' knowledge about pain and their preferences for receiving pain education. This research aims to co-design a pain education program that meets the needs of older adults and empowers them to manage pain effectively. This project addresses an important gap in current healthcare: the lack of integration of older adults' perspectives into the design of interventions. Engaging end-users in developing patient-centered healthcare strategies is essential to improving outcomes. My work aligns well with the goals of the SPA 2025 Training Program, which emphasizes patient-centered approaches to healthcare for aging populations. By participating, I hope to gain new skills, insights, and tools to enhance my research, particularly during the co-design phase of the pain education program. Networking with researchers and end-users through SPA 2025 will further enrich my understanding and enable me to create a truly patient-centered program. In the long term, I aim to establish myself as an independent researcher addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults with chronic pain. My academic journey began with my PhD research on pediatric pain and has evolved to focus on pain across the lifespan. This progression reflects my commitment to understanding and addressing pain at every stage of life. SPA 2025 offers a unique opportunity to build on this foundation, refine my expertise, and contribute to advancing aging and chronic pain research.