Centre on Aging University of Manitoba

Centre on Aging text on left of logo. Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text University of Manitoba on right. Background image of cherry blossom branches in bloom on the right side, set against a blue sky. Text reads 43rd Annual Spring Research symposium. QR code on right linking to Symposium web pages. Text below reads May 7, 2026. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Minosin Kikiwa: “A Good Home” –A community- academic collaboration to study Indigenous aging, housing and supports in Winnipeg. Lucille Bruce, Joanne Mason, Kathy Mallett, and Laura Funk, PhD

Register for the Centre on Aging's Spring Symposium, May 7.
Lucille Bruce, Joanne Mason, Kathy Mallett & Laura Funk present Minosin Kikiwa: “A Good Home” –A community- academic collaboration to study Indigenous aging, housing & supports in Winnipeg"
View full Symposium details: tinyurl.com/2j8ak9k3

YouTube video by CTV News Program helping older adults deal with loneliness

Centre on Aging Research Affiliate Dr. Kristin Reynolds discusses the Connect Program and how it’s helping adults 55 and older deal with loneliness.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1oD...

@umanitoba.bsky.social

‘Social connection’ prescriptions for older adults expand across Manitoba - Winnipeg | Globalnews.ca An expanded well-being program across Manitoba aims to help connect older adults with friendship and activity, without a trip to the pharmacy.

In case you missed it, Centre on Aging Research Affiliate Dr. Kristin Reynolds discusses social prescribing in Manitoba.
globalnews.ca/news/1171053...

@umanitoba.bsky.social

YouTube video by CIHICanada Aging Without Dignity: Seniors and Poverty

Aging Without Dignity: Seniors and Poverty. Q+A w/ Dr. Samir Sinha by @avisfavaro.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK6a... via @cihica.bsky.social

Centre on Aging Research Affiliate Dr. Laura Funk co-wrote this op ed.

Centre on Aging Research Affiliate Dr. Mirella Veras is first author.
Mirella Veras et al. Evaluation of an equity, diversity and inclusion program for the healthcare workforce in rural long-term care in Canada, Geriatric Nursing, Volume 69, 2026. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ge...

Prospective evaluation of balance and mobility tests as part of the World Falls Guidelines algorithm AbstractBackground. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury in older adults. While guidelines recommend balance and mobility tests to identify

Centre Affiliate Dr. Sibley is a co-author

S. Saunders, M. Speechley, L. Griffith, A. Kuspinar, K.M. Sibley, et al. Prospective evaluation of balance and mobility tests as part of the World Falls Guidelines algorithm, Age and Ageing, Volume 55, Issue 2, February 2026, doi.org/10.1093/agei...

Centre on Aging text on left of logo. Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text University of Manitoba on right. Background image of cherry blossom branches in bloom on the right side, set against a blue sky. Text reads 43rd Annual Spring Research symposium. QR code on right linking to Symposium web pages. Text below reads May 7, 2026. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Autonomic and cardiovascular responses in older adults following active standing: Why time matters. Rodrigo Villar, PhD

Register for the Centre on Aging's 43rd Spring Symposium on May 7.
Centre Research Affiliate, Dr. Rodrigo Villar will present "Autonomic and cardiovascular responses in older adults following active standing: Why time matters."
To see full Symposium details & register, visit: tinyurl.com/2j8ak9k3

Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text UM Centre on Aging. Text reads Resident councils: The practice and politics of participation in long-term care. March 18, 2:30 – 3:30 PM, via Zoom, Dr. Sheila Novek, Dept. of Psychiatric Nursing, Brandon University on light blue background with decorative elements in top left and right bottom corner. QR code linking to Zoom March 18 registration.

Join the Centre on Aging for our final Speaker Series presentation next month!
Resident councils: The politics & practice of participation in long-term care
Mar 18 | 2:30–3:30 PM | Via Zoom
Sheila Novek, PhD
Dept of Psychiatric Nursing, Brandon University
Register on Zoom: tinyurl.com/4n22ut8b

Centre on Aging text on left of logo. Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text University of Manitoba on right. Background image of cherry blossom branches in bloom on the right side, set against a blue sky. Text reads 43rd Annual Spring Research symposium. QR code on right linking to Symposium web pages. Text below reads May 7, 2026. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Strengthening a palliative approach in long-term care. Genevieve Thompson, RN, PhD, CHPCN(C)

Fast forward to spring thoughts 💮🌺💮🌼
Register for the Centre on Aging's 43rd Spring Symposium on May 7. Centre Research Affiliate, Dr. Genevieve Thompson will present "Strengthening a palliative approach in long-term care"
View full Symposium details & to register, visit: tinyurl.com/2j8ak9k3

The Centre on Aging's biweekly updates for the week of February 20 is now online: tinyurl.com/msessmzt

In this issue, register for upcoming Centre events, sign up to volunteer for a research study, find aging related resources, celebrate our students, and more!

Centre Research Affiliates Drs. Jiang, St. John & Tate are co-authors

Leung, Y. S., Jiang, D., St John, P., & Tate, R. (2026). Age-Dependent Functional Decline and Recovery Patterns After Dementia Diagnosis in the Oldest-Old. Journal of Aging and Health, 0(0). doi.org/10.1177/0898...

The image consists of blue text with blue and gold rectangles over a white background. Text reads Attention MSc and PhD students at University of Manitoba, Manitoba Training Program for Health Services Research Applications Due April 3, 2026. Below is a qr code and the University of Manitoba logo. An inset photo shows a student with long, dark hair, working in a library, with books and a laptop computer, smiling.

MSc & PhD students: Apply by April 3 to the Manitoba Training Program for Health Services Research. Build key skills for a career in research, clinical science, or healthcare planning. Successful applicants are eligible for a stipend.
@um-radyfhs.bsky.social #UManitoba
umanitoba.ca/graduate-stu...

Public drug plans shouldn’t cover new Alzheimer’s drug, Canada’s Drug Agency recommends Lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi, costs nearly $30,000 a year for the average patient

Public drug plans shouldn’t cover new Alzheimer’s drug, Canada’s Drug Agency recommends. Lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi, costs nearly $30,000 a year for the average patient, by @kellygrant1.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... via @theglobeandmail.com

Your gut microbes can be anti-aging – scientists are uncovering how to keep your microbiome youthful Certain lifestyle changes can help your gut microbiome help you age gracefully.

Your gut microbes can be anti-aging – scientists are uncovering how to keep your microbiome youthful
theconversation.com/your-gut-mic...

Centre on Aging text on left of logo. Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text University of Manitoba on right. Background image of cherry blossom branches in bloom on the right side, set against a blue sky. Text reads 43rd Annual Spring Research symposium. QR code on right linking to Symposium web pages. Text below reads May 7, 2026. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Implementing an evidence-based dementia screening program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community agencies across four provinces. Shahin Shooshtari, PhD and Nicole Bobbette, PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Think spring! Registration is open for the Centre on Aging's 43rd Spring Symposium on May 7.
Drs. Shooshtari & Bobbette will present "Implementing an evidence-based dementia screening program for adults w/ IDD in community agencies across 4 provinces"
View Symposium details: tinyurl.com/2j8ak9k3

Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text UM Centre on Aging. Text reads Resident councils: The practice and politics of participation in long-term care. March 18, 2:30 – 3:30 PM, via Zoom, Dr. Sheila Novek, Dept. of Psychiatric Nursing, Brandon University on light blue background with decorative elements in top left and right bottom corner. QR code linking to Zoom March 18 registration.

Join the Centre on Aging for our final presentation of the academic term!
Resident councils: The politics & practice of participation in long-term care
Mar 18 | 2:30–3:30 PM | Via Zoom
Sheila Novek, PhD
Dept of Psychiatric Nursing, Brandon University
Register on Zoom: tinyurl.com/4n22ut8b

The INITIATE (Initial Test for Fall Risk Assessment in the Elderly) prospective cohort study: baseline results - BMC Geriatrics Background Fall prevention recommendations include mobility or balance testing to identify older adults with high fall risk who require further intervention. However, there is no consensus on the best...

Centre on Aging Research Affiliate Dr. Kate Sibley is a co-author

Saunders, S., Kuspinar, A., Sibley, K.M. et al. The INITIATE (Initial Test for Fall Risk Assessment in the Elderly) prospective cohort study: baseline results. BMC Geriatr 26, 182 (2026). doi.org/10.1186/s128...

Centre on Aging text on left of logo. Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text University of Manitoba on right. Background image of cherry blossom branches in bloom on the right side, set against a blue sky. Text reads 43rd Annual Spring Research symposium. QR code on right linking to Symposium web pages. Text below reads May 7, 2026. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Care poverty in Canada: Examining older adults’ care needs through a novel framework. Christine Kelly, PhD

Got plans for May? Register for the Centre on Aging's 43rd Spring Symposium on May 7.
Research Affiliate, Dr. Christine Kelly will present "Care poverty in Canada: Examining older adults’ care needs through a novel framework"
For full Symposium details & to register, visit: tinyurl.com/2j8ak9k3

3 more years to install sprinklers in Manitoba care homes and hospitals is ‘too long’: seniors advocate | CBC News Ten years after the Manitoba government made a requirement that health care facilities be equipped with fire sprinklers by January 2026, the province is extending the deadline for sprinkler installati...

3 more years to install sprinklers in Manitoba care homes and hospitals is ‘too long’: seniors advocate

77 facilities have not yet fully installed sprinklers despite requirement to do so by Jan. 1, 2026

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

As we mark Black History Month, we invite you to attend our webinar:
“You have to be there”: Emotional labor, cultural ethics, and the realities of Black families of people with dementia in Canada during COVID-19 with Ngozi Iroanyah
Register here:
us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
#BHM2026

Deadline for sprinkler systems in health facilities delayed by years Sprinkler systems won’t be in place in all of Manitoba’s personal care homes until the end of 2028 — 13 years after legislation was passed requiring them for all care homes, hospitals and health-care....

Deadline for sprinkler systems in health facilities delayed by years
www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews...

Menopause: our study revealed how it affects the brain, cognition and mental health We also investigated whether taking HRT post-menopause had any impact on these health outcomes.

Menopause: our study revealed how it affects the brain, cognition and mental health
theconversation.com/menopause-ou...

Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text University of Manitoba Centre on Aging. Text 43rd Annual Spring Research Symposium. QR code linking to Symposium registration forms page. Text REGISTRATION NOW OPEN. May 7, 2026, 9AM–4 PM. 2nd floor, UMSU University Centre. Fort Garry Campus University of Manitoba on light blue background with decorative shapes in the corners.

Don't let that chill in the air fool you, spring is on it's way!

Registration is open for the Centre on Aging's 43rd Spring Research Symposium. Sessions will be held in a hybrid format. Registration link: tinyurl.com/ykv4f4xu
The Symposium is free to attend. Join us in person or online.

The panel will feature Lucille Bruce, Joanne Mason, Kathy Mallett, and Laura Funk, PhD

Centre on Aging text on left of logo. Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text University of Manitoba on right. Background image of cherry blossom branches in bloom on the right side, set against a blue sky. Text reads 43rd Annual Spring Research symposium. QR code on right linking to Symposium web pages. Text below reads May 7, 2026. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Minosin Kikiwa: “A Good Home” –A community- academic collaboration to study Indigenous aging, housing and supports in Winnipeg. Lucille Bruce, Joanne Mason, Kathy Mallett, and Laura Funk, PhD

Registration is open for the Centre on Aging's 43rd Spring Symposium on May 7.
Hear a panel presentation on Minosin Kikiwa: “A Good Home” –A community- academic collaboration to study Indigenous aging, housing and supports in Winnipeg"
View full Symposium details: tinyurl.com/2j8ak9k3

Text Centre on Aging beside logo. Logo is a design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing reconciliation below. Text University of Manitoba. Beneath logo text reads biweekly updates

The Centre on Aging's biweekly updates for the week of Feb 6 is now online: mailchi.mp/f3916eee5127...

In this issue, read about our STAR valentine card drive, sign up for Centre online events, find aging related resources and more!

Manitoba props open Golden Door care home The Manitoba government is expropriating Golden Door Geriatric Centre, a personal care home in Winnipeg, to ensure the facility can continue caring for seniors. The area MLA, however, says other long-...

Manitoba props open Golden Door care home

"The Manitoba government is expropriating Golden Door Geriatric Centre, a personal care home in Winnipeg, to ensure the facility can continue caring for seniors."

www.cbc.ca/player/play/...

Join us on Tue Feb 17 at 12 PM ET for the next #CLSAWebinar

"Cognitive impairment indicator for the neuropsychological test batteries in the CLSA: Definition and evidence for validity." presented by Professor, Megan O'Connell of the Uni of Saskatchewan.

Register: mcmaster.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Manitoba may be forced to take over more care homes: experts The Manitoba government’s decision to expropriate a personal care home to prevent it from closing may be the start of a trend as facilities struggle to make ends meet.

“Long-term care in Manitoba is on the precipice of a crisis...”

“Two small, family-owned sites can’t even afford to put sprinkler systems in right now.”

Province may be forced to take over more care homes: experts
www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews...