The Gerontology Research Centre (GRC) was established in 1982 with the help of grants from Imperial Oil, the Real Estate Foundation of BC, Shoppers Drug Mart, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The Centre publishes two newsletters: GRC News which reports on the Centre's current research and education activities; and Seniors' Housing Update which highlights new developments in seniors' housing. Currently, as part of its 'outreach activities,' the Centre serves as the Secretariat of the International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). In 2010, as part of its commitment to knowledge transfer the GRC, in a special project organized by Raymond G. Adams (Information Officer), contributed digitized publications representing 30 years of research to the SFU Library Institutional Repository (IR) Project. The goal of this project is to expose SFU research and scholarship to the University and broader community. To-date, the GRC has contributed 63 full-text publications to this initiative that are available both on our own website as well as on the University’s IR Project or “Communities in DSpace” webpage. In 2011, the GRC again contributed to this SFU project by adding video presentations from our 20th Friesen Conference: “Growing Old in a Changing Climate: Exploring the Interface Between Population Aging and Global Warming.” These clips are available on both the above SFU IR Project website as well as our own 20th Friesen Conference webpage.The associated Department of Gerontology was established in 1983. Together, the GRC and Department serve as a focal point for research, education and information on individual and population aging and maintain an active publications program to promote utilization of existing knowledge in the following areas:
Aging and the Built Environment
Research on planning, design, development and evaluation of housing, care facilities, community environments and enabling technology. The Dr. Tong Louie Living Lab is part of this theme area.
Changing Demography and Lifestyles
Examination of impact of changes in the timing of life events and in retirement, pension and income support policy and programs.
Health Promotion/Population Health and Aging
Examination of determinants and consequences of population health, develop and evaluate programs that assist seniors to improve their mental and physical health, cope with chronic illness, and prevent disability.
Prevention of Victimization and Exploitation of Older Persons
Research and development of programs to prevent financial, psychological, physical and sexual abuse of older people, and facilitate access to rights and services.
Technology and Aging
Research, development and evaluation of technologies to support independent living and enhance quality of life.
___________________________________________________
CURRENT RESEARCH
Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
THE IMPACT OF BROADBAND INTERNET ON RURAL, REMOTE, AND FIRST NATION SENIORS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
ASSISTIVE DEVICE INTERVENTION STUDY (ADIS)
___________________________________________________
SFU GERONTOLOGY STUDENTS
DEPARTMENT OF GERONTOLOGY Ph.D. DISSERTATIONS AND M.A. THESES AND PROJECTS
GERONTOLOGY GRADUATE STUDENT AUTHORSHIP OF PEER REVIEWED ARTICLES
___________________________________________________