Dr. Savage was the Symposium’s opening speaker. She is a PhD scientist at Women’s Age Lab and Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, an Adjunct Scientist at ICES, and an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto.
As the principal investigator of two Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-funded projects, she leads research focused on promoting social connectedness in older adults and supporting aging in place. One project seeks to understand whether and how loneliness impacts how older adults use health care services, and the other describes the health and care needs of older adults living in naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), to inform NORC-based interventions and support aging in place, many of which are in communities where TAN members deliver programs.
“People need to rediscover the joys of connection”
Dr. Savage focused on the detrimental impact of loneliness and isolation, which have become deeply concerning, and strategies to engage older adults – particularly seniors living with low income and disabilities who are most at risk. She talked about the value of later life learning – either online or in person (although she noted that there are some bodily changes with in-person programming that don’t translate to online connections).
Throughout her talk, Dr. Savage shared research findings from various studies, such as the Commonwealth Study, Canadian Social Survey, and the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, and suggested other organizations serving seniors who are involved in strategies such as social prescribing, social engagement and connection.
Rachel’s contact information:
womensagelab@wchospital.ca