SFU Gerontology

10/13/2026

New pub alert!

A recent paper from Mei Lan Fang, "A mini-review of Green Aging: reframing AgeTech for climate adaptation and environmental justice," introduces Green Aging as a framework for thinking about how AgeTech can support older adults not only in relation to health, independence and care, but also in the context of climate change and environmental sustainability.

The review brings together work across aging, technology, climate adaptation and environmental justice, and highlights the importance of designing technologies that are equitable, environmentally responsible and responsive to the needs and experiences of older adults.

Access the article: https://jphe.amegroups.org/article/view/11608/html

SFU Urban Studies

09/22/2026

Congratulations to Elise Stone on receiving the Al Eisenring Gerontology Award!

"Being a mature-aged student, receiving the Al Eisenring Gerontology Award supports me in fully experiencing and finding meaning in the academic journey I have undertaken in gerontology," says Stone.

Read more:

Congratulations to Elise Stone on receiving the Al Eisenring Gerontology Award!

09/22/2026

👀 Participants Needed for a Research Study 👀

How does difficulty hearing affect social interactions?

The UBC Amplification Lab and UBC Adult Language Processing & Disorders Lab invite adults aged 65+ who fit ONE of these three groups:
1️⃣ You have noticed hearing difficulties but have not had a hearing test.
2️⃣ You have noticed hearing difficulties, and you have had a hearing test, but you do not currently use hearing devices.
3️⃣ You have used hearing devices (e.g., hearing aids, cochlear implants) for about 1-6 years.

Additional eligibility criteria:
🔹can communicate in English,
🔹do not have diagnosed cognitive impairment or blindness
🔹do not have a significant mobility impairment
🔹live in Canada

What is involved:
🔸complete a background information survey,
🔸an online hearing screening
🔸a 1 hour interview (online, or in person at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre or University of British Columbia)
🔸$50 gift card award for participation

For more information or to participate please contact Julie Beadle at [email protected] or (604) 212 1571.

Ethics ID: H25-04016, Principle Investigator: Andrew Wister, SFU Gerontology

09/21/2026

Following the tremendous success of our 75th-anniversary conference Human Rights and Ageing: Advocating for an Equitable Future, we’re pleased to invite you to the release of our conference report.

Dr. Mei Lan Fang, report author and assistant professor at Simon Fraser University, will present alongside conference co-chairs Leslie Gaudette, president of COSCO BC, and Terri Van Steinburg, vice-president of COSCO BC.

Please join us as we reflect on the insights and outcomes of the conference—and look ahead to what comes next.

📅 Wednesday, September 23
🕐 11 a.m. PST
📍 Zoom — registration required

Register for the Zoom meeting here

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/I0FXDjLcSWW2E1w31wHgEQ #/registration

We look forward to continuing the conversation beyond the conference.

09/09/2026

Today we celebrate 7 SFU scholars for their induction into The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) / La Société royale du Canada (SRC) – the country’s top academic honour!

We have 4 new RSC Fellows:
Gerontology professor Habib Chaudhury; Distinguished SFU Professor (Communications) Dal Yong Jin; Distinguished SFU Professor (Economics) Krishna Pendakur and Geography professor Kirsten Zickfeld; and 4 new Members of the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists:
School of Resource and Environmental Management professor Andrés Cisneros-Montemayor, Education professor Amy Parent, Noxs Ts'aawit and Chemistry professor Samira Siahrostami.

Congratulations to the RSC Class of 2026 and thank you for the contributions to your fields and to Canadian public life.

https://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/stories/2026/09/seven-sfu-researchers-honoured-by-the-royal-society-of-canada.html

09/09/2026

The election of Habib Chaudhury as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada recognizes decades of research exploring how neighbourhoods, housing and care environments can support dignity, independence and meaningful engagement for people living with dementia.

Learn more about his work: https://www.sfu.ca/gerontology/news-events/faculty/habib-chaudhury-rsc.html

09/04/2026

Andrew Wister highlights the importance of funding for community-based seniors’ centres and the vital role they play in connecting with older adults, including those who are marginalized.

The Connect!Âge project is working directly with community organizations in BC and Quebec to better understand the challenges they face and co-develop resources and supports to strengthen their capacity to reach and connect with older adults.

Full podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/how-we-can-protect-our-canadian-seniors-and-those/id6806918438?i=1000787286597

09/03/2026

A new report from Mei Fang and her research team "Exploring the Role of Seniors Centres within the Primary Healthcare System," looks at opportunities, barriers, and enabling factors associated with strengthening connections between seniors centres and primary healthcare.

Read more: https://www.sfu.ca/starinstitute/resources/aging-and-technology-publications.html

09/02/2026

The AGE-WELL AgeTech Discovery Day will take place on October 1, 2026, to mark National Seniors Day, with technology awareness events in nine locations across seven provinces and virtually, focused on AgeTech innovations that support aging in place and healthy aging.

These free events will help older adults and caregivers discover innovations that can enhance independence, health and quality of life, while creating opportunities to learn about and participate in research.

Register for Vancouver's AGE-WELL AgeTech Discovery Day: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/age-well-agetech-discovery-day-vancouver-bc-tickets-1997914898243?aff=oddtdtcreator

SFU Urban Studies

08/27/2026

Yesterday, Habib Chaudhury met with the Secretary of State for Seniors, Stephanie McLean to discuss priorities for the National Seniors Council (NSC).

“I am pleased to have recently joined the NSC as a member. We had a productive discussion to identify priority areas to support older Canadians, including housing affordability, innovative congregate housing options, and financial security, that the NSC could focus on in the coming months.”

The conversation provided valuable insight to help guide the NSC's work in the months ahead.