Dr. Theresa Pauly speaks at Aging: Individual Challenge or Family Opportunity?

Conference Description

This conference will explore the process of human aging and what contributes to greater resilience and adaptation. Our keynote speakers will discuss the science of the physical, emotional, and relational dynamics of aging. A Bowen family systems perspective will also be presented on a range of topics, from dementia, caregiving, estate planning, to retiring well. Research, application, and innovative approaches to thinking and engaging with both the broader processes and the everyday aspects of aging will be explored.

Presenting on:
“For Better or Worse: How Couples Influence Each Other’s Health”

Dr. Theresa Pauly is an Assistant Professor at Simon Fraser University and Canada Research Chair, investigating how psychosocial factors influence health and well-being in adulthood and old age. Dr. Pauly earned her PhD from the University of British Columbia in 2020, focusing on stress hormone patterns in older couples.  She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Zurich (2020–2022). As Canada Research Chair in Social Relationships, Health, and Aging, Dr. Pauly uses innovative methods, collecting real-time data from older adults on daily activities, heart rates, and stress hormones. She also analyzes long-term data to identify resources that promote healthy aging, particularly for equity-seeking groups. Her research informs programs and policies to support older adults’ health and wellbeing.