2026 FRIESEN CONFERENCE

Conference Theme "Climate Change in an Aging World"

The Simon Fraser University Gerontology Research Centre (GRC) and the associated Department of Gerontology welcome you to the 33rd John K. Friesen Conference entitled “Climate Change in an Aging World.” Climate change and population aging are two intersecting global trends that significantly impact the health and social experiences of older people, healthcare and community/social systems, governments, the private sector, and social justice. The purpose of this conference is to bring together experts from academic, community, NGO, government, and private sectors to review emerging issues and share cutting-edge innovations to identify climate change adversities, and to enhance climate resilience among older adults and their families and communities to overcome these challenges. Highlights include keynote addresses; topical panel discussions, symposia, and poster displays presented by local, national, and international speakers representing community organizations, NGOs, government, and academic sectors.

John K. Friesen Conference Series

This conference is the 33rd offering in the John K. Friesen Conference Series in Gerontology. The series is designed to meet the continuing education needs of agencies and individuals responsible for planning, administering and providing services to the elderly. The series embraces two of John Friesen’s lifetime interests – the education of adults and the special needs of an aging population.

John Friesen was one of Canada’s leading contributors to the field of adult education. In his more than forty year career, Dr. Friesen served in university extension work in Canada and overseas and was involved in enhancing the lives of older adults in many different ways - from community arts to credit unions. For his leadership role in adult education, Simon Fraser University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in 1985. Click here for information about previous conferences in the series.