Centre on Aging, University of Victoria

This internationally recognized research centre studies the social and psychological aspects of aging and population health and health services delivery. Unit funding will assist researchers to focus in three areas: the role of social-psychological, environmental and structural factors in promoting health and preventing illness as people age, with special attention to vulnerable populations; assessing informal and self-care approaches to health, particularly for those with poor health or disability; and assessing formal delivery of care, including specific programs and systems of care.

Leader:

Members:

  • Daniel Bub, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Neena Chappell, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Iris Chi, DSW
    University of Hong Kong
  • Denise Cloutier-Fisher, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Roger Dixon, PhD
    University of Alberta
  • Elaine Gallagher, PhD, RN
    University of Victoria
  • John Gartrell, PhD
    University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Shixun Gui, PhD
    East China Normal University
  • Betty Havens, D.Litt
    University of Manitoba
  • Marcus Hollander, PhD
    Hollander Analytical Services
  • Weimin Hu, PhD
    Vancouver Island Health Authority
  • Michael Hunter, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Karen Kobayashi, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • David Chuenyan Lai, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Edward Leung, MB, MRCP
    University of Hong Kong
  • Patricia MacKenzie, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Michael Masson, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Catherine Mateer, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Ian McDowell, PhD
    University of Ottawa
  • Patrick McGowan, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Victor Minichiello, PhD
    University of New England
  • Norm O'Rourke, PhD
    Simon Fraser University
  • Margaret Penning, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Ryan Rhodes, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Brent Small, PhD
    University of South Florida
  • Kelli Stajduhar, PhD, RN
    University of Victoria
  • Richard Stanwick, MD
    Vancouver Island Health Authority
  • Esther Strauss, PhD
    University of Victoria
  • Andrew Wister, PhD
    Simon Fraser University
  • Zheng Wu, PhD
    University of Victoria

Centre on Aging website

This internationally recognized research centre studies the social and psychological aspects of aging and population health and health services delivery. Unit funding will assist researchers to focus in three areas: the role of social-psychological, environmental and structural factors in promoting health and preventing illness as people age, with special attention to vulnerable populations; assessing informal and self-care approaches to health, particularly for those with poor health or disability; and assessing formal delivery of care, including specific programs and systems of care.

Life expectancy has risen from less than 50 years in 1900 to almost 80 years today. The majority of older adults live independently in the community with a minimum of services, yet those who do need services tend to make heavier use of the system than other groups. Multiple factors besides age account for the differences between older adults who maintain effective function well into old age and those who experience significant aging-related decline and disability for much of later life. Many of these influences are rooted in social, psychological, environmental and cultural differences and experiences. A psychosocial population health research perspective is required to better understand the needs of and deliver appropriate health services to this diverse population. This perspective recognizes a broad range of determinants of health and the need for research that spans many levels of analysis, including individual, social, institutional, and community levels.

This multidisciplinary, university-based research centre advances knowledge of aging through a broad range of studies that focus on the social, psychological, environmental and cultural contexts in which people live, as well as the institutions (e.g. health delivery systems) responsible for the health of aging populations. The centre’s overall goals are to:

Within this broad orientation, research projects coalesce around two broad themes.

Understanding vulnerability and promoting health

To understand and address why some seniors are more likely to experience disability than others, researchers are looking at a range of issues related to vulnerability, health promotion, and the health care delivery system. These include:

Cognition, health and everyday competence in aging

Aging is associated with significant levels of cognitive impairment and other mental health problems, leading to significant decline in quality of life for older adults and increased demand for health services. Within the broad area of mental health and aging, centre researchers are addressing many questions, including: