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Hello Community Member

Welcome to the May edition of the MIRA Community Update, we hope you are enjoying the warm weather!

May is National Caregiver Month in Canada. Did you know Canadian caregivers report an average of 5.1 hours of care a day, adding up to over 30 hours of unpaid care, or almost the equivalent of a full-time job. This month's focus feature aims to raise awareness and share knowledge on this vital role through articles, resources, and events including a webinar today at noon on balancing work and family caregiving commitments

As always, we list research studies looking for participants like you, including an invitation to join our online community VoiceWe are pleased to share new community events and opportunities — including the first in a series of talks at Hamilton Public Libraries. Please, come out and join us!

To avoid any hiccups receiving this newsletter, please add us to your "Safe Senders" list by clicking the link below. You will be asked to make a quick download and asked to verify access to your calendar and contacts. You will only have to go through this process once:


You are also welcome to email us at mirainfo@mcmaster.ca with any comments or questions; we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We are so glad you're here!

EVENTS AND COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

IN-BRANCH TALK | IN-PERSON

Young at Heart with speaker Milena Head

🗓️ Monday, May 13, 2024
🕙1:30 - 2:30 PM ET
🏘️ Program Room, Hamilton Public Library Saltfleet Branch
🗺️ 131 Gray Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 3V3
Guest speaker and MIRA researcher Dr. Milena Head will explore why the digital divide still exists for many older adults and how we can help to bridge divides in access, use and embracement of technology.

CLSA WEBINAR | ONLINE

Exploring relationships between social isolation and cognitive change in the CLSA

May 14, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET

Register here

This webinar will showcase research that used CLSA data to investigate the relationship between social isolation, cognitive change, and physical activity. The study found a compelling indirect effect – social isolation was associated with reduced physical activity, and, in turn, diminished physical activity was associated with memory declines in older women and men, with larger declines in executive function in older males. These findings underscore that physical inactivity may serve as a mechanism through which social isolation negatively affects cognitive health in older adults. Register here to join the webinar

WEBINAR | ONLINE

Vision as We Age: Understanding Common Eye Conditions

May 15, 2024 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM ET
Register here

As we age, our eyes undergo natural changes, and the risk of certain eye disorders increases. Join ophthalmologist Dr. Nina Ahuja for this webinar about the most common and significant eye conditions affecting older adults, including an overview of cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. This session will help to provide a clear understanding of these conditions, their symptoms, and the latest treatment options Register here to join the webinar

PUBLIC EVENT | IN PERSON

McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging 5-Minute Thesis Event

🗓️ Wednesday, May 26, 2024
🕙9:30 AM - 12:00 PM ET
🏘️ McMaster Innovation Park. Conference Room 1C and 1D
🗺️ 175 Longwood Road South, Hamilton ON

Join trainees from the McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging to learn about aging-related health research being conducted by trainees and share your own experiences. Your wisdom and insights can help improve research and healthcare for older adults. Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about supporting and enhancing aging-focused research, health and social care and policy.

INFORMATION AND WELLNESS FAIR | IN PERSON

City of Hamilton Seniors Kick-off

🗓️ Monday, June 10, 2024
🕙10:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET
🏘️ Michelangelo’s Event & Conference Centre
🗺️ 1555 Upper Ottawa Street, Hamilton ON
Register here to reserve your spot
Featuring over with over 60 exhibitors, presentations on a variety of topics, entertainment, lunch and door prizes, the Seniors Kickoff is a one-of-a-kind event held annually in June (Seniors Month) in celebration of Hamilton seniors. This event is the perfect opportunity to learn about programs and services in our community, join in health and wellness presentations, and enjoy the beginning of the summer season in good company!

FOCUS ON: Caregiver Month
Highlighting events, resources and actionable tips


National Caregiver Month is celebrated in May across Canada to acknowledge the 8+ million people providing care to a family member, friend, neighbor or chosen family across the country.

The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence curates a list of resources tools and resources to support and empower caregivers in their role.

Below you will find events, information and resources to raise awareness for and support caregivers in our communities.

CAREGIVING ESSENTIALS WEBINAR | ONLINE

Balancing Work and Family Caregiving: Making the Impossible Possible

May 6, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Register here
Allison Williams, a social geographer, MIRA researcher and professor in the School of Geography and Earth Sciences, will engage in a personal conversation on May 6 at 12 pm EDT about her research that focuses on improving workplace practices for supporting employees who are also family caregivers.

Caregiving Essentials
FREE Online Self-paced Course

The Caregiving Essentials course offers valuable knowledge and skills meant to benefit caregivers in any way they choose.

  • Offers valuable information and support, as well as ways to improve your overall health and well-being as a caregiver
  • Upon completing this program, you will receive a microcredential recognizing your learning achievement
Register here

The unsung heroes: Why caring for caregivers matters

In the intricate web of healthcare, a group of unsung heroes often remain unnoticed: caregivers. In Canada, almost a quarter of people aged 15 and over are caregivers for an adult living with a long-term condition or disability. They are the backbone of support and can be family members, friends, or professionals. Caregivers dedicate themselves to the well-being of others, often at the expense of their own. Read the full Optimal Aging Portal blog post here

Evidence-based Resources

The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal is a unique online health resource offering accessible evidence summaries blog posts and videos on topics supporting healthy aging. Some examples of evidence-based topics covered on the Portal include:

Thumbnail What is stroke?
In this 3-minute video, Dr. Ada Tang, Assistant Dean of Rehabilitation Science, explains what you need to know about stroke, including signs, prevention, and rehabilitation.
You are welcome to subscribe to the Portal’s newsletter to stay up-to-date on relevant aging-related information.
 
Browse the Portal library and join the newsletter

McMaster Continuing Education is thrilled to announce the launch of our new edXpress program offering a diverse range of online courses tailored for individuals eager to grasp new concepts or explore new hobbies and interests quickly. With a wide range of topic areas to choose from and a welcoming learning environment for both seasoned learners and curious beginners, there’s something for everyone to discover!

To celebrate this launch, we’re excited to offer a one-time special promotion for the Spring term: participants can try a course for free!

Learn more and register here

It’s never too early or too late to reduce your risk of dementia. Learn about some of the healthy lifestyle behaviours that can reduce your risk of cognitive decline through this Dementia Risk Reduction E-Learning Opportunity.

Register here for the weekly emails
For more resources and opportunities, you are welcome to visit the community resource page on our website.

Participate in research

COMMUNITY FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: 

Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
Inclusive Communities Grant Program

Application deadline: May 25, 2024 Funding available: up to $60,000
Funding for projects to help ensure local government and community organizations consider Ontarians of all ages and abilities at every stage of community planning and development. Learn more
Everyone knows something about aging. Everyone has a story to share.

Voice Canada is an online platform that connects the community with researchers so that your valuable input can help guide studies right from the very start.

Develop an ongoing connection with researchers, find ways to participate in research,  and follow findings through a dynamic, searchable library of studies. If you enjoy our newsletters, you will probably find the Voice platform useful.
Current research opportunities highlighted on Voice include:
Voice Canada: it's free, fulfilling and needs your perspective.
 
Join the Voice Canada Platform here

 NEW 

Are you 65+ person living in the community who wants to improve your health and maintain strength? 

In person

The OPTIMAL Fitness Study is looking for older adults who have lost energy/strength (e.g. difficulty climbing stairs or slow walking speed) and want to improve physical function. Participants will be randomized into one of 3 groups to measure the impact of these three approaches on health and wellness. Participation will involve an eligibility assessment, participation in a study group for four months, and a 1 hour clinical pre- and post-assessment. For more information, please click here or call GERAS Research Staff at 905-521-2100 ext. 12437.

 NEW 

Do you have chronic neck pain, and are you between 40-80 years old?

In person

This study investigates the feasibility of using augmented reality glasses and sensorimotor training to encourage goal-directed movements of the neck during an engaging activity. Your time commitment will be 4 assessment visits and up to 20 treatment visits.(3-5 days per week for 2-4 weeks). You will also be asked to come in for assessments before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the intervention. Parking vouchers and a $25 gift card for completing the study provided. For more details

Do you have swallowing difficulties or care for someone who does?

Online and in-person
The Aging Swallowing Research Lab is conducting studies and offering support to better understand how frailty, physical function and swallowing difficulties are related.

If you are between the ages of 60- 89 and living in the community, please consider participation in a study involving assessments of physical functioning and a comprehensive assessment of swallowing, including a swallowing x-ray. Participants will be compensated $100 and receive a clinical report. 
To learn more, call (289) 426-0843 or email macasrl@mcmaster.ca.

Caregivers are invited to complete a 15-minute online survey about caring for a person with dementia. Participants will be compensated with a $20 gift card. Care recipients are also offered swallowing assessments (if able to travel to Hamilton). Complete the caregiver survey here

The lab also invites you to join a monthly, free, virtual support group for individuals with swallowing difficulties and their caregivers. Join the support group

Sign up for the ASRL newsletter! Go to the ASRL website, scroll to the bottom, enter your email (including your name is optional) and hit subscribe!

Are you 55 years or older and live in Downtown Hamilton (Strathcona, Central, Beasley and North End neighborhoods)?

In-person
The EMBOLDEN program is recruiting for a study about mobility, community connections, physical activity, and healthy eating through aging.

Are you a South Asian woman caregiver living in a multigenerational home and caring for a family member with a chronic condition? Do you live in the Greater Toronto Area (not including Hamilton)?

Online

You are invited to participate in a research study to understand multigenerational, South Asian family caregiving amidst COVID-19 and how it impacted you and your family. Participants will be asked to participate in one Zoom or telephone interview lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. You will receive a $50 e-gift card as a token of appreciation. For more information contact Natalie Meisenburg by e-mail at meisenno@mcmaster.ca

Are you 65+ and living with a chronic condition (ex. arthritis, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, etc.)?

Online

Researchers want to better under understand the needs of older adults to engage in physiotherapist-led tele-rehabilitation and their thoughts on how these programs can affect their mobility. You are eligible to participate is you are 65 or older, live with chronic condition(s) (ex. arthritis, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, etc.) and can speak and understand English. This study will involve one 30-60 minute interview conducted over the phone or on a virtual platform (like Zoom). Please contact Holly at edwarh2@mcmaster.ca for more information.

Are you 60+ years old, with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer?
Do you currently engage in less than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week?

Online
 
Researchers in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences are looking for volunteers for a study on the impact of peer support and virtual exercise coaching on quality of life and physical activity levels. Participants must have a cell phone or tablet and access to the Internet. All participants receive a Fitbit to keep at the end of the study.  For more information email our study team at partner4exercise@gmail.com Learn more here

Are you between the ages of 55-75 with recent changes in your mobility (ie: recent changes in the way you walk two km)?

Online 
Researchers from McMaster's School of Rehabilitation Science are looking for volunteers to participate in one of three 12-week mobility programs, either virtually (by Zoom) or by telephone, and undergo 4 virtual assessments with a physiotherapist over 36 weeks. To be eligible, participants must have a laptop computer or tablet with internet at home. If you are interested in participating, please contact Susanne Sinclair by email at ssincla@mcmaster.ca.
Learn more here

Do you have moderate-to-severe hearing loss and love music?

In-person

The LIVELab at McMster University looking for study participants to help us improve the concert experience for people with hearing loss. Participants will be compensated $25 for 90 minutes of their time, in-person at McMaster campus.
To learn more, email hpohears@mcmaster.ca or call 905-525-9140 ext. 25483
Thank you for your interest and continued engagement!

Warmly,
The team at the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging
 
@MIRAMcMaster
McMaster Institute for Research on Aging
McMaster Institute for Research on Aging
https://mira.mcmaster.ca/
Copyright © 2024 McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, All rights reserved.


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