McMaster Institute for Research on Aging

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.

04/20/2026

"We want to challenge dominant ideas of older adults as technophobic, as being on the other side of a digital divide, or passive in the face of technological innovation" - Nicole Dalmer

'Engaged: Aging with Technology' a new photo exhibition co-curated by MIRA member Nicole Dalmer and Cal Biruk, brings forward the voices and perspectives of older adults in Hamilton, showcasing how technology is not just used, but adapted, reimaged and woven into everyday life.

'Engaged: Aging with Technology' is on view at the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging until June 30.

For the full story by McMaster News:

‘Engaged: Aging with Technology’ exhibit questions how older Hamiltonians use, think about, and interact with technologies in their homes.

04/17/2026

What does it mean to experience anxiety or depression, and how can we respond in ways that support long-term well-being?

In the November 2025 Snacks & Science session, Anthony J. Levinson, psychiatrist and professor in the McMaster University Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, explores the difference between everyday experiences and clinical conditions.

The talk highlights practical, evidence-based approaches — including cognitive behavioural therapy, movement and accessible self-guided supports — alongside trusted tools available through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, such as free programs at UnderstandingAnxiety.ca and UnderstandingDepression.ca.

For the full recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHqsrewhLAA

Mental health is an important part of healthy agingJoin Dr. Anthony Levinson for a presentation on understanding depression and anxiety in older adults.Topic...

04/16/2026

A wonderful turnout for today's Snacks & Science at the Dixon Hall with Luciana Macedo, physical therapist and professor in the McMaster University School of Rehabilitation Science.

The session brought together research on musculoskeletal pain with practical approaches that support everyday function and independence, including ways to better understand pain, manage symptoms, and stay active over time.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Dixon Hall, and to Luciana for sharing her expertise on living with chronic pain.

04/16/2026

Co-creation and co-design are embedded throughout MIRA’s research, shaping work that is relevant, accessible and grounded in community priorities. This approach continues to expand how people engage with research, such as through national platforms like Voice Canada, community-based programming across Hamilton and Toronto, and the Optimal Aging Portal, which translates evidence into accessible resources for diverse audiences.

For more on Community Engagement & Knowledge Translation, visit pages 46-52:https://mira.mcmaster.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MIRA-5-Year-Report_sm.pdf

04/08/2026

Messages from MIRA’s leadership speak to a decade of progress shaped by collaboration, vision and community connection. Together, this work has built “a vibrant interdisciplinary community that transforms aging research into meaningful impact,” while partnerships like the MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre continue to demonstrate what becomes possible when research and community come together with a shared purpose.

For more on MIRA Scientific Director Parminder Raina and MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre Director Marla Beauchamp, see pages 6-8:https://mira.mcmaster.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MIRA-5-Year-Report_sm.pdf