Grant: Meetings, Planning and Dissemination Grant: Aging

ALCOA is proposing to hold a one-day, face to face meeting with representatives from potential stakeholders (ALCOA members) to develop a strategic plan to pursue the development of a web-based Canadian Aging Network Dialogue. This project idea has evolved out of a recently completed Communication Strategy Report, which was funded by CIHR in 2009. To develop the Communication Strategy, ALCOA met with communication experts and also spoke to the ALCOA membership, to determine the most efficient and effective methods for knowledge translation to ALCOA members and older adults. A web-based dialogue was one of the recommendations in the final report. These series of dialogues would engage Canadians of all ages into the issues, needs, concerns and opportunities for healthy active aging in the country, and for refuting ageism. The dialogues would be oriented towards: ideas and issues of aging; practical consumers concerns / needs; professional development for practitioners in the field; and, to showcase leading practice programs that are working well in the communities. Building on current and emerging programs, practices and strategies, the Web based dialogues are intended to highlight the needs, issues and concerns of Canadians as they age. Additionally the dialogues are intended to empower individuals, organizations, and communities to undertake their own activities to enhance the health and well being of older adults. The proposed one day meeting would provide the opportunity to develop ideas, topics, methods, programs, and processes for the purpose of developing a proto-type package for distribution to potential sponsors.