LABARGE Centre for mobility in aging (LCMA)
The Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging (LCMA) was created in 2016 to facilitate and amplify research initiatives that mitigate the risk and consequences of declining mobility with age. Situated within the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), and built on the groundwork supported by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative and the Labarge Foundation, the Centre fosters interdisciplinary research approaches to all aspects of mobility in aging, including:
- Biological and physiological contributors;
- Behavioural, cognitive and psychosocial influences;
- Biomedical, clinical and technological innovations;
- Availability of prevention, rehabilitation and management strategies for mobility challenges; and
- Environmental components, such as social, economic, policy and physical/structural factors.
Through the generosity of Suzanne Labarge, McMaster's strength in aging research has been magnified with the aim of developing evidence-based interventions that will impact the lives of today's aging population.
Why Mobility?
Mobility is critical to healthy aging, and can affect social and economic independence, along with physical and mental health. Interactions between biological factors and the built and social environments combine to impact older adults’ mobility, social engagement and overall health. However, few studies have addressed these interactions across multiple levels. By better understanding the range of issues associated with mobility in aging, we will have the potential to optimize the well-being of Canadians, as well as reduce health and social costs.
Our Research Approach
The Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging is positioned within MIRA, which allows it to gain efficiencies through shared staff, space and governance structures. Through the Centre, we utilize several mechanisms to conduct research, support community engagement and promote knowledge sharing, including:
- Stakeholder Consultation and Community Engagement. We host events and outreach to facilitate and enable research collaboration across disciplines and with stakeholders.
- Synthesis and Scoping Research Reviews. We identify research gaps and the evidence needed to evaluate emerging interventions and move evidenced-based interventions into practice.
- Catalyst Grants. We offer financial support to stimulate new collaborative and interdisciplinary research ideas.
- Demonstration Projects and Case Studies. We demonstrate our research products in different cultural groups and among diverse communities to measure usability and impact.
- Major Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives. We will support randomized controlled trials of interventions in the community.
Together, the LCMA and MIRA are well-positioned to respond to opportunities and enhance the lives of today's aging population.