McMaster Institute for Research on Aging

06/29/2026

06/25/2026

We are honoured by Suzanne Labarge’s extraordinary generosity and continued belief in the power of aging research to improve lives.
This transformative gift will support the next decade of MIRA’s work with researchers, trainees, community partners and stakeholders.

Aging touches every family and every community.

Thanks to a transformative $20-million gift from Chancellor Emerita and alumna Suzanne Labarge, McMaster University will continue building on its global leadership in aging research through the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA).

The investment will support the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging and the MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre, helping advance research that supports mobility, independence, community connection and dignity as people age.

Read more: https://ow.ly/Gfyp50Zgr4u

06/23/2026

Aging doesn't just happen after 65. But, there are steps we can take to help protect our health as we get older. For instance, working on balance and maintain muscle mass during middle age. MIRA's Scientific Director, Parminder Raina, recently spoke with the Toronto Star about shifts in middle life and their impacts later on.

Aging is not a slow and steady process, but rather happens in bursts, research indicates. Here’s how you can preserve your body and brain.

06/18/2026

June is Seniors Month, an opportunity to recognize the knowledge, experiences and contributions of older adults in our communities!

Join us for Bites & Insights at the Central Hamilton Public Library with Cameron Murray, who will explore how older adults are helping shape better futures for aging through community-driven research. Drawing on examples from research, public policy and emerging technologies, Cameron will discuss how lived experience can drive meaningful change and help create more age-friendly communities.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1990345792845?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/12/2026

Thank you to all our attendees who joined us for the MIRA-iGeN participant webinar! We were excited to share findings from study, exploring how caregiving, family relationships, social connections and other life experiences can shape mental health and well-being across generations.

We are grateful to our participants, attendees and research team for advancing this important work. Your experiences and continued engagement are helping shape the next phase of MIRA-iGeN and deepening our understanding of intergenerational connections and health.

06/04/2026

We’re developing the Age-Friendly and Dementia-Inclusive Community Plan 2027-2031 and want to hear from you.
Share your feedback by:
•Completing the online survey
•Visiting a nearby community feedback station
Your input will help shape priorities for the next four years. Have your say: https://engage.hamilton.ca/agefriendly

05/28/2026

Congratulations to 2026 Labarge Scholarship recipient Angelina Baric who has received a 2026 Targeted Scholarship from the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario - MROO. Angelina's research centres on understanding the long-term health effects of ultra-processed food consumption, with a particular emphasis on women’s health across the life course. She is working to understand where diet may increase or reduce the risk of health and functional complications after menopause among Canadian women with a focus on mobility outcomes, which are critical to maintaining independence and quality of life in older age.

MROO Targeted Scholarships support graduate students in Ontario who are doing research or pursuing a career that will positively impact the lives of seniors.

05/25/2026

Join us for the next installment of Snacks & Science at the Toronto Public Library on June 4 from 1-3 p.m. for an engaging conversation with Dr. Milena Head, professor of Information Systems in the DeGroote School of Business - McMaster University, exploring misinformation, digital trust and practical tips for safer, more confident internet use.

Dr. Head's research examines how people engage with technology and how more inclusive digital spaces can support connection, accessibility and confidence online for older adults navigating today's digital world.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1986344938181?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/22/2026

On May 13, the second annual Suzanne Labarge Lecture in Aging brought a CLeVR perspective on brain health and resilience to McMaster University.

This year, MIRA was pleased to welcome Dr. Caterina Rosano, professor of epidemiology and physician-scientist at the University of Pittsburgh, to present her lecture "Aging Brains: Connecting Longevity with Vitality and Resilience (CLeVR)". Rosano explored how brain health, mobility resilience and the "three M's" — motivation, movement and making decisions — shape the ability to live well as we age.

With more than 160 attendees, the lecture sparked thoughtful conversations on how research can support vitality, independence and quality of life across the lifespan.

Read the full story and visit the recording:

The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) welcomed physician-scientist Caterina Rosano to campus on May 13, 2026, for the second annual Suzanne Labarge Lecture in Aging, drawing a large and engaged audience to hear about research in brain health and resilience in later life.

05/11/2026

Thank you to Anjali Bedi, PhD student in the McMaster Department of Kinesiology for presenting this afternoon at Bites & Insights at Shalom Village!

Through an engaging discussion on brain health and dementia risk, Anjali highlighted how healthy lifestyle habits and physical activity can support cognitive well-being as we age. Attendees learned about brain plasticity, interval walking and how movement can help support memory, cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation, and overall brain health.

Thank you to all our wonderful attendees who joined us and contributed to a thoughtful and engaging conversation.