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The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) and the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging (LCMA) announce newly funded research totaling $240,000 in 2022. Six research projects, one from each of McMaster’s Faculties, have been selected by MIRA to receive a Labarge Catalyst Grant in Mobility in Aging. The awards, each valued at $40 000, offer the opportunity to conduct collaborative and interdisciplinary research focused on mobility in aging, where mobility is broadly defined to include physical, social and community aspects. Beyond the $240,000 awarded by MIRA, the projects have secured an additional $90,000 in cash and in-kind support.

Our approach

At MIRA, we examine biological, behavioural, technological and environmental factors that affect how people age. Our approach is interdisciplinary, and we combine the following strategies:

A coordinated, collaborative research agenda between academics and clinicians from all faculties.
The use of design thinking to generate human-centred solutions.
Ongoing interaction with a diverse group of stakeholders, such as policymakers and older adults.

Research at the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging is intended to generate solutions that are practical, readily implemented, and that promote aging in place.

" It seemed to me that my grandparents lived forever. Why is it that some environments make people live long and others don't? "

Parminder Raina

" My grandparents aged so optimally, it inspired me to practice and research with older persons who have a more challenging aging process, including those with multimorbidity. "

Jenny Ploeg

" Urban infrastructure is failing older adults who don’t drive – a growing population. How can housing and transit make people functional for longer? "

Jim Dunn

" Keeping older adults infection free provides more years of healthy, independent living (because I need the free babysitting, thanks grandparents!) "

Dawn Bowdish

" My research discovers age-associated biological processes with the goal of extending lifespan, promoting mobility, and maintaining healthy aging. "

Bhagwati Gupta

" My grandparents experienced the gaps in the health care system. I decided to use health care data to help fill those gaps in knowledge and practice. "

Andrew Costa

" Hearing underlies verbal & musical communication important for healthy aging. Music often reaches people after memory and language are gone. "

Laurel Trainor

" I design and evaluate community-based health care interventions to improve access, quality of life and health outcomes at no additional cost. "

Maureen Markle-Reid

" I work to prevent hidden hearing loss which affects almost 30% of adolescents and forecasts serious hearing difficulties later in life. "

Larry Roberts

" Driving is critical to seniors' independence, mobility and health. I research factors that keep older drivers safe behind-the-wheel for as long as possible. "

Brenda Vrkljan

" I study protein in human skeletal muscle – its mass, function, and maintenance – in aging. Healthy muscle = healthy aging "

Stuart Phillips

" Neuronal function declines with age. I aim to identify factors that conserve neuronal function during age so that we can live better, longer lives. "

Lesley MacNeil

" I work to help people live their best lives including how to use or not use medications ways that are effective and safe. "

Lisa Dolovich

Our Team

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GOVERNANCE

MIRA’s governance draws upon the expertise from the private sector and experts on aging from within the academic community.

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Researchers

Our researchers represent all Faculties of the University. The input of multiple perspectives and areas of expertise ensures our research creates useable, practical, older adult-centered solutions. Our solutions are real and implementable and promote aging in place.

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Partners

MIRA collaborates with many partners in the field of aging, both at McMaster and in the wider community.

Areas of Focus

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Areas of Focus

MIRA coordinates research around areas of focus, each of which advances MIRA’s overall mission.

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Labarge Centre for
Mobility in Aging

Mobility is a cornerstone of healthy aging, which can affect social and economic independence, along with physical and mental health. Addressing the range of mobility issues associated with aging has the potential to optimize the well-being of a large number of Canadians.

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Our Story

MIRA grew out of recognition that the best way to tackle the complex issues facing an aging population was as an organised, interdisciplinary team that integrates the input of older adults and multiple perspectives. MIRA has mobilized researchers at McMaster to coordinate their efforts to enhance the university’s research strengths in aging.

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More news

AGING REIMAGINED

Our approach

" It seemed to me that my grandparents lived forever. Why is it that some environments make people live long and others don't? "

" My grandparents aged so optimally, it inspired me to practice and research with older persons who have a more challenging aging process, including those with multimorbidity. "

" Urban infrastructure is failing older adults who don’t drive – a growing population. How can housing and transit make people functional for longer? "

" Keeping older adults infection free provides more years of healthy, independent living (because I need the free babysitting, thanks grandparents!) "

" My research discovers age-associated biological processes with the goal of extending lifespan, promoting mobility, and maintaining healthy aging. "

" My grandparents experienced the gaps in the health care system. I decided to use health care data to help fill those gaps in knowledge and practice. "

" Hearing underlies verbal & musical communication important for healthy aging. Music often reaches people after memory and language are gone. "

" I design and evaluate community-based health care interventions to improve access, quality of life and health outcomes at no additional cost. "

" I work to prevent hidden hearing loss which affects almost 30% of adolescents and forecasts serious hearing difficulties later in life. "

" Driving is critical to seniors' independence, mobility and health. I research factors that keep older drivers safe behind-the-wheel for as long as possible. "

" I study protein in human skeletal muscle – its mass, function, and maintenance – in aging. Healthy muscle = healthy aging "

" Neuronal function declines with age. I aim to identify factors that conserve neuronal function during age so that we can live better, longer lives. "

" I work to help people live their best lives including how to use or not use medications ways that are effective and safe. "

Our Team

GOVERNANCE

Researchers

Partners

Areas of Focus

​Areas of Focus

Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging

Our Story

News

Areas of Focus

Labarge Centre for
Mobility in Aging