Overview

Are you interested in the studies of aging and late life? The Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging is currently welcoming new members.

The Gilbrea Centre has four membership groups: associate faculty members, graduate students, older persons and community organizations.  These groups work together to fulfill our mandate outstanding inter-disciplinary research; translating research results into policy and care practices;  developing successful partnerships in the public and private sectors; engaging in effective and sustained community outreach and partnerships; and increasing the range and prominence of aging studies in the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate curriculum.

Associate Members

The Associate Members group is comprised of faculty members from across the University, and serves to facilitate interdisciplinary research and exchange through the Centre. Located in the Faculty of Social Sciences, a number of our Associate members teach in the Department of Health, Aging and Society. Our membership also extends across the campus, with the varied disciplinary composition of the Gilbrea Centre's Associate Members helping to achieve our mandate, increase the visibility of research on aging, and facilitate meaningful forms of knowledge sharing. 

Interested in learning more about membership? Please email gilbrea@mcmaster.ca

 

Social Sciences and Humanities

Gavin Andrews

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Cal Biruk

Anthropology, Social Sciences
Read More  

Lori Campbell

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Vikki Cecchetto

Linguistics and Languages, Humanities
Read More  

Nicole Dalmer

Health, Aging & Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Amelia DeFalco

English and Cultural Studies, Humanities
Read More  

Margaret Denton

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

James Dunn

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Chelsea Gabel

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

James Gillett

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Jessica Gish

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

James Gladstone

School of Social Work, Social Sciences
Read More  

Meridith Griffin

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Michel Grignon

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

David Harris Smith

Communication Studies and Multimedia, Humanitites
Read More  

Jeremiah Hurley

Economics, Social Sciences
Read More  

Anthea Innes

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Randy Jackson

School of Social Work, Social Sciences
Read More  

Anju Joshi

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Yvonne LeBlanc

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Jessica Pace

Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, Social Sciences
Read More  

Ellen Ryan

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Mat Savelli

Health, Aging & Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Chris Sinding

Health, Aging and Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

Magda Stroinska

Linguistics and Languages, Humanities
Read More  

Michael Veall

Economics, Social Sciences
Read More  

Rachel Zhou

Department of Health Aging & Society, Social Sciences
Read More  

McMaster University

Vanina Dal Bello Haas

School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Sciences
Read More  

Maureen Dobbins

School of Nursing, Health Sciences
Read More  

Brock Dubbels

Computing and Software, Engineering
Read More  

Qiyin Fang

Engineering Physics, Engineering
Read More  

Robert Fleisig

Walter G. Booth School of Engineering Practice, Engineering
Read More  

Karin Humphreys

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Science
Read More  

Sharon Kaasalainen

School of Nursing, Health Sciences
Read More  

Lori Letts

School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Sciences
Read More  

Janet Lovegrove

School of Nursing, Health Sciences
Read More  

Maureen Markle-Reid

School of Nursing, Health Sciences
Read More  

Carrie McAiney

Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, Science
Read More  

Stephen McBride

Political Science
Read More  

Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald

School of Rehabilitation Science Member, Health Sciences
Read More  

Bruce Newbold

School of Geography and Earth Sciences, Science
Read More  

Mark Oremus

Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatisics, Health Sciences
Read More  

Antonio Páez

School of Geography and Earth Sciences, Science
Read More  

Jenny Ploeg

School of Nursing, Health Sciences
Read More  

Darren Scott

School of Geography and Earth Sciences, Science
Read More  

Allison B. Sekuler

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Science
Read More  

Patricia Strachan

School of Nursing, Health Sciences
Read More  

Brenda Vrkljan

School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Sciences
Read More  

Allison Williams

School of Geography and Earth Sciences, Science
Read More  

John You

Medicine, Health Sciences
Read More  

Isik Zeytinoglu

Management and Industrial Relations, DeGroote School of Business
Read More  

Other Universities

Rachel Barken

Department of Sociology
Read More  

Ellie Berger

Sociology, Arts and Science
Read More  

Alexander Crizzle

School of Public Health and Health Systems, Applied Health Sciences
Read More  

Charles Emlet

School of Social Work, Social Sciences
Read More  

Amanda Grenier

Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and Baycrest Hospital
Read More  

Laura Hurd

School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education
Read More  

Camille Isaacs

English, Faculty of Arts & Science
Read More  

Stephen Katz

Sociology, Arts and Science
Read More  

Pia Kontos

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
Read More  

Brad Millington

Department of Health, Humanities and Social Sciences
Read More  

Kristine Newman

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Community Services
Read More  

Debbie Rudman

School of Occupational Therapy, Health Sciences
Read More  

Mark Skinner

Geography, Geography
Read More  

Laura Tamblyn-Watts

CanAge
Read More  

Peter Whitehouse

Neurology, Health Sciences
Read More  

Student Members

Students are future researchers, policy makers, professionals, and clinicians from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. Our graduate student group is a peer-led group of students with interests in aging. Members of this group provide insight into new knowledge in their field of study, network with other Centres and groups, and carry out events and activities as part of our programming. Student members serve an integral role at the Centre working alongside faculty, clinical researchers, community professionals, and seniors.

Are you a student looking to connect with our student group? Please email gilbrea@mcmaster.ca

  • Amanda Bull - Academic Coordinator

      bulla4@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Stefania Cerisano

      cerisas@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Alicia Cliford

      cliffa@mcmaster.ca

  • Brii Davy - VP Internal

      briidavy@gmail.com

    Read more

  • Peter DeMaio

      demaiop@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Margherita Duesbury - Media Coordinator

      duesbum@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Rachel Dunsmore

      dunsmorr@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Nour El Shamy

      elshamyn@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Kelsey Harvey

      harvek1@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Stephanie Hatzifilalithis

      hatzifis@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Harneet Hothi

      hothih1@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Ariel Kwegyir Tsiboe

    Read more

  • Alison McNeil

      mcneia1@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Maria Belen Miguel (Student Group Chair)

      miguem2@mcmaster.ca

  • Blessing Ojembe

      ojembeb@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Natalie Palumbo

      palumbon@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Samantha Perrotta

      perros2@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Kelley Prendergast

      prenderk@mcmaster.ca

  • Cristina Stef - Social Coordinator

      stefc@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Rachel Weldrick

      weldrirc@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

  • Kaitlin Wynia

      wyniak@mcmaster.ca

    Read more

Student Alumni

Senior-Scholar-in-Residence

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Ellen Ryan, Professor Emeritus, to the Centre as Senior-Scholar-in-Residence. 

I am very pleased to be appointed Senior-Scholar-in-Residence in Social Sciences working through the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging. In this role I will continue working with faculty, students, research staff and community partners on Resilient Aging.  I am currently Professor Emeritus in the Department of Health Aging & Society as well as in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences. I maintain contact with students through guest lectures in classes, supervision of honours research projects, and intergenerational involvement in community service.  I offer writing workshops for older adults on themes such as memoir, journaling, and legacy letters. See my website Writing Aging & Spirit.  Working with colleagues as well as students, I host the Hamilton Aging in Community website and associated Aging Together mutual support group which sponsors annual workshops on resilient aging topics such as HomeSharing, Seniors Cohousing, Intergenerational Programming, and Strengthening Connections for Seniors through Faith Communities. I keep learning about aging in community issues when lecturing for academic, regional, and community groups on resilience, creativity, housing alternatives, outwitting ageism, communication in dementia, and lifelong learning. 

For those interested in learning more, check out my publications

The SHARE Group Volunteer Network

The SHARE Group is a volunteer research group administered by the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging.

What is SHARE?  The SHARE Group is a volunteer network for older adults 55+ developed by the Gilbrea Centre. SHARE provides members the opportunity to meet, connect, socialize, and engage in discussions and workshop initiatives. Members are provided resources and opportunities to participate in research and voluntary opportunities such as awareness raising and public engagement that relates to the aging studies work that we do at the Gilbrea Centre.

Are you an older adult who would like to be more involved in research and Centre activities? 

Click here to register for SHARE

Partner Organizations

The Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging has longstanding relationships with several groups and organizations who work with older people. These collaborative relationships help us to create new knowledge, foster research relevant to community need, and provide our partners with cutting edge research and suggestions for best practices. Partnerships with the community are an important aspect of knowledge exchange between faculty members, students, seniors and the community.

Community partners of the centre will have opportunities to participate in Centre events and activities; co-host or partner on events; connect with faculty or student researchers around social and inter-disciplinary aspects of aging; develop, lead or participate in co-run research projects; and/or access professional development or training sessions. 

Interested in becoming a partner?

Click here to become a partner

Our Partner Organizations

Dementia Alliance

On April 1, 2010, the Alzheimer Societies of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk and Hamilton Halton integrated their delivery of services to those affected by dementia under a new corporation called Dementia Alliance. This corporation is composed of three board members from each of the local Societies, and was developed to create efficiencies and ensure the best use of our financial and human resources to meet the needs of persons affected by dementia across our communities. The local Societies continue to exist and act as the local face of our services, fundraising and public awareness efforts. Currently, Dementia Alliance has more than 70 full and part-time staff delivering services in the local communities.

Dundas Community Services

Dundas Community Services is located in the heart of downtown Dundas. Our mission is…“to provide or facilitate services that enhance the social well-being and development of the community”. We have information, programs and service available to enhance the quality of life in our community. As well, we provide; services for seniors and persons with disabilities, information, counselling and referral services, volunteer services, family and individual counselling and co-ordinated services.

Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant CCAC

Your Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) connects you with the care you need, at home and in your community.  Our dedicated professional staff and management are guided by our vision and mission, and we strive to live our values as we deliver your care each and every day.

Ontario's 14 CCACs share a common vision and mission.  We recognize that each community is unique – to reflect this, our values are developed by each CCAC locally. 

 

Trent Centre for Aging & Society

Leveraging its strategic location in one of Canada’s most rapidly aging communities and its interdisciplinary strengths in Social Sciences and Humanities research, Trent University has prioritized the Trent Centre for Aging and Society as a key academic research, knowledge mobilization and community engagement initiative.The Centre's research mandate is to: cultivate new areas of scholarship in aging studies; enhance Trent's existing capacity in the study of aging and old age; and support community engagement that is responsive to the challenges and opportunities facing older people and aging communities.

AGE-WELL

AGE-WELL is a pan-Canadian network of industry, non-profit organizations, government, care providers, caregivers, end-users, and academic partners working together using high-quality research to drive innovation and create technologies and services that benefit older adults. Thier vision is to harness and build upon the potential of emerging and advanced technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), e-health, information communication technologies (ICTs), and mobile technologies to stimulate technological, social, and policy innovation.

Geriatric Education and Research in Aging Sciences (GERAS) Centre

The Geriatric Education and Research in Aging Sciences (GERAS) Centre is committed to educating and empowering seniors to regain and retain independence and to manage their health through active participation in their care. These new models of care engage family members and build capacity for support within the community. The experts at St. Peter’s are also dedicated to advancing health care education for the present and next generation of health care professionals. Through innovative research the GERAS Centre will close the gap between knowing and doing to contribute to improved quality of life for seniors.

Hamilton Council on Aging

The Hamilton Council on Aging (HCoA) is a senior-driven initiative that was founded by a group of concerned citizens in the community.

HCoA is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all seniors in Hamilton.

Our strength is in our membership. A volunteer Board of Directors, subcommittees, as well as HCoA staff, volunteers and community partners work together to support current projects and community initiatives.

Wesley

Wesley offers daily support, every step of the way, to over 1, 250 children, youth, adults and seniors living in poverty in Hamilton. As a multi-service organization, Wesley has a portfolio of over 30 different programs in 19 locations in the areas of: Children, Youth & Family Services, Housing & Homeless Services and Neighbourhood & Newcomer Services.  The long-term impact of our programs includes improved education, successful employment and supportive independence.  Wesley has been responding to poverty in the Hamilton community since 1955, when a senior’s outreach program began in the basement of Wesley United Church in downtown Hamilton.  Wesley’s services are possible through a broad base of funding support from government, business, foundations, individuals and churches. 

YWCA Hamilton

YWCA Hamilton has been a part of the Hamilton community for 126 years. As a women’s led organization, YWCA is committed to offering valuable programs and services to groups of all ages with diverse backgrounds and needs. The organization is engaged in community collaborative activities and planning groups to work with government and non-profit  partners in a variety of sectors to improve the quality of life for women and their families. These collaborative activities and community planning initiatives address issues including but not limited to: poverty, housing and homelessness, violence against women, child care, adults with developmental disabilities, youth services, and supports for an aging population. 

AbleLiving

 

AbleLiving is a non-profit charity that has been serving adults with physical disabilities for more than thirty-five years. We provide the assistance that people may need to manage their lives as independent adults. In addition to a wide array of supportive care options we offer training in life skills, self-development, falls prevention and dementia care. Among our clients are adults with physical disabilities, elderly people who are becoming frail, and family members who need respite from the role of caregiver. We provide services and accommodation in several communities: Burlington, Binbrook, Mississauga, Stoney Creek, and Hamilton.

 

Thrive Group

Thrive Group provides a spectrum of integrated services to support and care for individuals to live as independently as possible. By bringing together like-minded organizations Thrive Group develops and delivers quality services that are responsive and innovative, enhances collaborative approaches to service provision, informs government directives and influences health care system transformations, and creates efficiencies and reduces duplication.

St. Joseph’s Home Care

Since 1921 St. Joseph’s Home Care has provided high quality, values-based home and community services in a spirit of compassion and dedication. At SJHC we tailor our home care programs to meet the needs of each individual client. We serve a wide variety of clients with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. As a faith-based organization, we are committed to serving all clients regardless of their beliefs or background. Our organization reflects the diversity of ethnicity, culture and religion in our community. We understand and respect each individual’s requirements and are sensitive to each individual’s beliefs and spiritual care needs.

Realize

Realize, formerly known as the Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation (CWGHR), is a national organization that has been a leader and a catalyst for improved access to rehabilitation services for people living with HIV and other episodic disabilities since 1998. Through research, education, policy and practice, Realize works to create change for people living with HIV and other episodic disabilities – to make their daily lives better, so that they can live well and live fully. HIV and aging is one of our strategic directions and we are proud to serve as the secretariat for the National Coordinating Committee on HIV and Aging (NCC).

Elder Abuse Ontario

Elder Abuse Ontario is a not-for-profit charitable organization that was established in 1990 and is funded by the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat. Their mission is to create an Ontario where all seniors are free from abuse through awareness, education, training, collaboration, service co-ordination and advocacy.  The Senior Safety Line, 1-866-299-1011, provides contact and referral information across the province and is available in 150 languages. 

Age Friendly Hamilton

Age Friendly Hamilton (The City of Hamilton, Neighbourhood and Community Initative) is a partnership with the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Council on Aging and Seniors Advisory Committee.  The Age Friendly Hamilton Plan was developed through community consultantion with over 700 stakeholders.  The Plan helps to identify and address the needs and priorities of the growing population of older adults and seniors in Hamilton.

RISE (Reach Isolated Seniors Everywhere)

Launched in October 2015, the objective of the RISE campaign is to help Canadians of all ages, cultures and regions become aware of the impact of loneliness and social isolation on their older family members, friends and neighbours – and to take action.  It is a national campaign that will involve partners across the country as well as individual Canadians. The goal of RISE is to share information and encourage thousands of concrete actions across the country to help reduce the social isolation and loneliness of our older people.

 

Hamilton Aging Together: An Aging in Community Group

Hamilton Aging Together (founded in 2013 and led by Ellen Ryan) is an aging-in-community group of community-minded individuals, mostly between their mid50s and mid80s, residing in the Hamilton area. One member lives in a retirement home; quite a number have downsized to condo homes or seniors buildings. They are committed to learn and inform others about housing alternatives and other mutual support strategies for maturing adults and seniors. They are committed to get to know each other and to rely on each other in times of need.

Haven Toronto

The only facility of its kind in Canada, Haven Toronto is a sanctuary for elder men age 50+ who have been impacted by poverty, homelessness and social isolation. Open 365 days a year, Haven Toronto provides essential programs and services, including counselling and crisis support, housing support, healthy meals 3 times daily, onsite nurses and support for basic needs including clothing, computers, internet and laundry.

Red Shawl

Red Shawl is a volunteer driven and managed women’s community organization aspiring to improve communities; woman by woman. Red Shawl offers programs for women and young girls to improve their skills, education and leadership for workplace, families and communities. With better skills, education and leadership qualities women gain better economic prospects which is a huge step towards bridging the gender gap and achieving gender parity. It is also a key step towards higher participation of women in the labour force and higher economic growth in Canada.

Toronto Council on Aging

The Toronto Council on Aging is a non-profit, charitable organization addressing the issues and concerns of older adults in Toronto. Our inter-generational working board lifts the voices of older adults, organizes educational events, builds collaborative networks, and much more. 

The Village at Canadore College

The Village at Canadore College is a world class health and wellness facility, the first of its kind within Canada.  It uses a ground-breaking approach to educating the next generation of our country's health professionals. The Village blends Indigenous, Eastern and Western practices, and offers student led clinics, custom built classrooms, and a traditional Indigenous ceremony space. The facility fosters a spirit of collaboration that enhances the delivery of community-based services while inspiring a new ideal for holistic care and healing - across all life stages - that can be adopted by communities across the country. Areas of research priority for the Village include: interprofessional education, senior quality of life, intergenerational living and collaboration, and intercultural approaches to health and well-being.

The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Aging and Care (CIRAC)

The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Aging and Care (CIRAC) at the University of Graz in Austria was founded in 2020. The first of its kind in Austria, it was created to address socially relevant questions of aging, old age, and the organization of care (care structures and care cultures) from the perspectives of the humanities and social sciences. CIRAC’s fields of research include the analysis of cultural representations of age, care, and the life course, human-technology interaction, ecologies of care, ethics and politics, and medical humanities. Its mission is to contribute to the growing field of Aging and Care Studies by facilitating inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration.

McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA)

The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) works to optimize the health and longevity of Canada’s aging population through leading-edge research, education and stakeholder collaboration — while upholding the values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, inclusion and transparency. Established in 2016 and led by Dr. Parminder Raina (Canada Research Chair in Geroscience), MIRA coordinates, facilitates and amplifies research in aging across every Faculty at McMaster University and acts as a robust entry point to many of McMaster’s established research-focused platforms in aging, such as the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA, clsa-elcv.ca) — a study of 50,000 Canadians as they age. Through MIRA’s approach to interdisciplinary research, the development of novel training programs, community engagement and knowledge mobilization, MIRA’s research outcomes have real impact and influence on the well-being of older adults locally and globally.

 

Centre Staff

At the Gilbrea Centre, we can help to facilitate connections between research staff, faculty members, students and our partners. We can also provide a number of services for a fee including assistance with budgets, ethics proposals, and organization of events or workshops.

Are you a partner organization looking for assistance with a literature review, research project or event. Please contact our office.

  • Equity Burke

     Research Coordinator
      905-525-9410 ext 24124
      burkee3@mcmaster.ca
  • Nicole Dalmer

     Associate Professor, Gilbrea Centre Associate Director
      dalmern@mcmaster.ca
  • Meridith Griffin

     Associate Professor, Gilbrea Centre Associate Director
      griffmb@mcmaster.ca
  • Anthea Innes

     Professor, Director of the Gilbrea Centre, Gilbrea Chair in Aging and Mental Health
      innesa2@mcmaster.ca
  • Rianna Johnstone

     Student Placement
  • Mason McLeod

     SHARE Coordinator
      mcleom14@mcmaster.ca
  • Amna Zaidi

     Student Placement

    Read more

Research Staff

  • Constance Dupuis

     Postdoctoral Fellow
    The Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging

      dupuis@iss.nl

  • Stephanie Hatzifilalithis

     Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Fellow
    The Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging

      hatzifis@mcmaster.ca

  • Dylan Lu

     Research Assistant, Karl Kinanen Undergrad Recipient

      lud20@mcmaster.ca

  • Rachel Michels

     Research Assistant

      michelsr@mcmaster.ca

  • Maria Belen Miguel (Student Group Chair)

     Research Assistant
    The Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging

      miguem2@mcmaster.ca