SFU Gerontology

Congratulations to postdoctoral fellows Boah Kim and Mohammadjavad Nouri on each receiving a Michael Smith Health Research BC 2026 Impact Pathways: Engage Award for their respective projects!

The Engage Award helps researchers and community partners come together to share ideas, identify important challenges, and explore new ways to work together on solutions.

We look forward to seeing their projects grow! 👏

Simon Fraser University

The Ismaili Council for British Columbia and SFU's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences sign a Memorandum of Understanding Signed on July 13, 2026, at the Ismaili Centre Vancouver, the agreement marks an important milestone in a relationship built over decades. It builds on longstanding partnerships between SFU and institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network—including Aga Khan University, Aga Khan Education Servi...

Congratulations to Yoonseok Choi, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Lifelong Health and Wellbeing Lab, on receiving a SSHRC Insight Development Grant for his project, "Avoidance Motivation in Older Age." 🎉

His research explores how older adults maintain emotional well-being while navigating age-related challenges and changing goals. By following 100 older adults in the Greater Vancouver area over 10 days of their everyday routine, the project will examine how motivations—whether focused on pursuing goals or avoiding losses—shape everyday activities and emotional well-being in later life.

The findings will deepen our understanding of healthy aging, motivation, and the factors that support well-being in later life. Congratulations, Yoonseok, on this well-deserved achievement and exciting research initiative!

Read more: https://www.sfu.ca/fass/news/2026/07/idg-grants.html

📢Big news for the research community!

SSHRC is proud to announce the latest recipients of the Insight Grants, Partnership Development Grants, Partnership Grants (Stage 2) and the 2026 Insight Development Grants. From exploring human history to developing community-led solutions for modern challenges, these projects reflect the incredible depth of talent in Canada’s social sciences and humanities sectors.

Join us in celebrating our researchers and partners👏

Full details here: https://www.canada.ca/en/social-sciences-humanities-research/news/2026/07/government-of-canada-invests-more-than-289-million-to-address-social-and-economic-challenges.html

A look back at the IAGG 2026 conference in Amsterdam last week! Our students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty presented their work, connected with colleagues, and contributed to conversations shaping the field.

Swipe through to see more! 📸

“When elder abuse first became known to people, it was talked about as a social problem, then it became a health problem. These days . . . it's become very much a human rights issue,” explains professor emeritus Gloria Gutman in Older Persons, Witchcraft Accusations, and Land Grabbing: A Human Rights Crisis.

Watch the recorded webinar:

Webinar on Older Persons, Witchcraft Accusations, and Land Grabbing: A Human Rights Crisis Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

New Issue Alert: GGGRC News - June 2026

This edition highlights:
💫 The Gloria Gutman Gerontology Research Centre renaming
💫 Innovative research initiatives
💫 Collaborative projects with faculty, students & community partners

Read the full issue here:

GGGRC News – June 2026 Read the latest edition of the SFU Gerontology Research Centre's bi-annual newsletter.

“Retirement often acts as a magnifier of existing dynamics,” says assistant professor Theresa Pauly. As routines shift, creating your own sources of momentum, like pursuing hobbies or new interests, can help your relationship transition smoothly into this next chapter.

Read more:

Four major relationship hurdles that can happen after retirement Retirement can shift a relationship’s dynamics in ways you may not anticipate. Here's how experts suggest overcoming these hurdles.

Gloria Gutman and Kira Gawenus discuss how coercive control extends beyond intimate partner violence and is increasingly shaping the experiences of older adults. Recognizing this overlooked form of elder abuse is crucial for effective prevention, detection, and intervention efforts.

Read more:

Coercive control of older adults: A type of elder abuse Coercive control is widely discussed in the intimate partner violence literature, but has been underexamined by those concerned about elder abuse.

Explore how urban design, public policy & social space shape healthy longevity for marginalized communities. Featuring Assistant Professor Mei Fang, Alex Li & Alexis Coulourides Kogan.

🗓️ July 8 from 6:00-7:30 pm (PT)
📍Webinar

Register: https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/5JoqVZ_fQo-Hz0tF_ALhNw #/registration

Congratulations to Habib Chaudhury on his appointment to the National Seniors Council for a three‑year term! His expertise in dementia‑inclusive and age‑friendly design will help advance the well‑being of older Canadians.

Read more:

Government of Canada appoints new members to National Seniors Council - Canada.ca Older Canadians are vital and valued members of communities across the country. As Canada’s population ages, ensuring that seniors can live with dignity, safety, and comfort remains a key priority. That is why the Government of Canada draws on diverse perspectives and expertise to inform this ongo...