The Centre on Aging held their 29th Annual Dialogue on Aging on May 7, 2012 at the Brodie Centre Atrium on the Bannatyne Campus. Thank you to all those who attended, participated, and assisted with our event. The symposium was a huge success with over 400 people in attendance.

SPRING RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM INFORMATION

Download the complete symposium program.

View the program at a glance sheet

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS

When possible, we will post a copy of the presentations from our May 7 symposium.

Morning opening plenary (9:15–10:30 am)

Caregiving: Where have we been; what’s important for the future?

Dr. Neena Chappell, Canada Research Chair in Social Gerontology, Professor, Centre on Aging and Department of Sociology, University of Victoria, President, Canadian Association on Gerontology, will present the opening keynote. Dr. Chappell will present her research findings on caregiving.

Morning concurrent session summaries

Dr. Peter Zahradka Eating strategies to improve your health! 
Session chair: Wyeth Krauchi

Presentation summary and take home message

Dr. Peter Zahradka's presentation on how nutritional interventions with food (namely Pulses, or beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas) for treatment as well as prevention of disease, was well attended at the 29th annual Centre on Aging Spring Symposium. By including pulses in a regular diet along with positive lifestyle changes can decrease arterial stiffness, decrease cholesterol, and improve overall cardiovascular health. Dr. Zahradka went on to encourage food companies and health care facilities to increase the number of readily available meals made with pulses, and provided the audience with several tasty recipes for pulse-rich delicacies. To view the recipe book, visit http://www.sbrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ccarm-recipe-booklet.pdf.

Dr. Zahradka also presented the now famous "Mr. Bean made from beans" which garnished huge applause from all attendees. The same portrait was shown on CTV News Winnipeg. View the broadcast.

Dr. Karen Duncan, Family Social Sciences will present findings from her research on the economic costs of caregiving. Mr. Bob Thompson will provide his perspective as a caregiver.

Dr. Nadine Nowatzki, Senior Research Scientist, Healthy Child Manitoba, and Mr. David Alper, Université de Saint-Boniface will speak to the topic of economic security.

Afternoon plenary (1:00–2:30 pm)

How should the health care system respond to the aging population?

Dr. Philip St. John, Geriatric Section, Faculty of Medicine and Ms. Marlene Graceffo, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Afternoon concurrent session summaries

Professor Mary Shariff's presentation examined the concepts of dignity and autonomy within the context of assisted death and assisted suicide. Her presentation examines both legal and ethical perspectives on assisted death and illustrates the persepectives adn intersections between philosophical arguments and the legal structure governing end-of-life care in Canada.

Dr. Bill Kops and Dr. Atlanta Atlanta Sloane-Seale Use it or lose it: lifelong learning, lifelong living
Session chair: Jennifer McArthur

Presentation summary and take home message

Dr. Bill Kops and Dr. Atlanta Sloane-Seale’s presentation discussed the results of a study which aimed to create a more complete picture of older adults as learners. For the older adult learners in their study, the vast majority of participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the learning activities in their life.  Most respondents felt that their learning activities were important for their retirement. Regarding well-being and health, nearly all participants were happy and interested in life, and perceived themselves to be in good health. These older adults were also very physically, mentally, and socially active; indicators of successful aging. The findings from this study all consisted with and built on the current literature, with the conclusion being that participation in lifelong learning has important implications for successful aging.

Ms. Jaclyn Volk will provide an introduction to the history and principles of Music Therapy, discuss different therapy models and techniques, and identify the many populations served by the discipline.

View information from past research symposiums.