Grant: Summer Program in Aging

As Canada's population ages, many older adults, especially women, gender-diverse, and racialized people, face unique challenges that impact their aging. My research with the Women's Age Lab focuses on addressing one aspect of that: social isolation. I am examining how intersections of identity factors, including age, gender, income, immigration status, disability, and sexual orientation, combine to influence social isolation. People who are socially isolated can experience an increased risk of chronic conditions and reduced access to support, making aging more challenging. Unfortunately, climate change can make these issues even more severe. Extreme heat, poor air quality, and service disruptions can harm older adults, especially those who are already socially disconnected. Through the 2026 Summer Program in Aging, I hope to learn how the healthcare workforce can better support healthy aging. My long-term goal is to help design equitable programs and policies that ensure that all older adults, especially those who are most marginalized, can age healthily.