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| April 2018 – Issue 2 |
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The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education’s triannual newsletter on enhancing and enriching the aging journey for older adults, those who work with older adults, and those who have other roles in the field of gerontology.
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Aging and Technology Course Profile
CVGE 144: Aging and Technology is an exciting new course in The Chang School’s Certificate in Aging and Gerontology program. As the subject matter expert for this course, I have had the pleasure of bringing together the latest research from the emerging and dynamic field of aging and technology. The shift to an aging population impacts all of us, in all aspects of life, as does the integration of technologies in day-to-day life. The goal of this course is to move beyond health and human service disciplines to attract students from a range of backgrounds including gerontology, economics, business, marketing, hospitality and tourism, and others. For example, Lake Devo animation, a role-play digital tool, was used to develop figures that represent diversity and the lived experience of older adults. Each animated figure is at a different point in their life course, and interacts with technologies in distinct ways that reflect their life stage, social and health needs, personal preferences, and abilities. Towards the end of the course, the five animated figures meet in an intergenerational focus group to share thoughts and opinions on the aging process and technology.
The increase in technological products, interventions, and systems that have entered our 21st century lives opens up the discussion for ethical and social implications. What are the benefits? What are the risks? How does the use of social media influence the quality of life of older adults? These and other timely topics are examined in CVGE 144. In short, this course is designed to empower learners to meet the unique challenges and opportunities presented by an aging society, by examining the technological needs, uses, and interests of older adults.
Course Instructor: Elizabeth Kelson is a Gerontologist with an MA from Simon Fraser University and a PhD from the University of British Columbia. Elizabeth has taught Gerontology (and developed the curriculum) at the University of British Columbia and at The Chang School since 2014.
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 Happenings at The Chang School
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Accessibility Project Lunch and Learn
The Chang School’s Accessibility Project is a community and grant program that provides funding up to $25,000 to develop, commercialize, and grow innovative solutions for the removal of barriers facing people with disabilities and aging populations. At a recent lunch and learn for The Chang School and Ryerson staff, the four internal teams that participated in the Accessibility Project were recognized and given an opportunity to present their projects.
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Participants Wanted: Caregiver Research Study
The Chang School’s Programs for 50+ is seeking participants for a research study aimed towards understanding how unpaid caregivers use Internet-based technology to promote social inclusion. The study invites informal, unpaid caregivers such as family members, friends, and neighbours who assist with an individual’s daily living activities to participate.
This study is funded by eCampusOntario and has been approved by the Ryerson University Research Ethics Board. For more details, or to express interest in participating, please email Dalia Hanna, Program Director, Community Services, and Principal Investigator at dhanna@ryerson.ca.
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 Upcoming Events
ChangSchoolTalks 2018: Serious Games
ChangSchoolTalks 2018 will bring together international experts, academics, corporate and healthcare professionals, game developers, as well as government and industry leaders to discuss effective learner and employee engagement strategies through serious games. Please visit the website for tickets and more information.
Date: Thursday, May 3, 2018
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: Sheridan Centre Toronto Hotel (123 Queen St. W.)
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50+ Festival
The 50+ Festival is turning 10! Join us from June 1–3, 2018, as we explore innovative trends, Canadian pluralism, and citizen science. Take in a theatre retrospective, an exclusive film screening, and a lively night of music, food, and prizes. Participate in stimulating sessions that speak to past perspectives, present positions, and future paths. Visit the 50+ Festival webpage for full program details.
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National Awareness and Recognitions
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April
May
June
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 Did You Know?
Dating Websites and Apps for Older Adults
Dating websites and mobile apps for older adults are growing in popularity. With so many options at your fingertips, do you know which online platform will meet your needs? To help you navigate today’s dating scene, here are the top ranked 2018 websites and apps for older adults.
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Ontario 55+ Summer Games
The City of Mississauga will play host to the Ontario 55+ Summer Games from August 10–12, 2018. Participants will compete in both physical events, including bowling, cycling, golf, and leisure events such as card games and darts. Winners of the district games, (taking place across Ontario in May and June), will qualify to compete at the provincial level in August.
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Resources
Unpaid Caregivers
The Ontario Caregiver Coalition (OCC) provides a listing of provincial and federal organizations and agencies that offer resources and support for unpaid caregivers.
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Elder Abuse Directory of Programs and Services
The Elder Abuse Ontario Directory of Programs and Services offers a searchable database to assist seniors, families, caregivers, and service providers in navigating the system of available supports, programs and services in Ontario, for older adults who have experienced or are at-risk of abuse.
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A Guide to Programs and Services for Older Adults
The Ontario government’s Guide to Programs and Services for Older Adults provides information on resources available for older adults in Ontario, including tax credits, health, caregiving, housing, driving, and staying safe.
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Programs for 50+
Are you interested in meeting new people, building new skills or enhancing existing ones, and remaining active during your retirement? Explore the various courses offered through The Chang School’s Programs for 50+, including dramatic and liberal arts and Caring Clowns.
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Certificate in Aging and Gerontology
The Chang School’s Certificate in Aging and Gerontology provides an opportunity for professionals such as nurses and social workers, or anyone supporting or caring for older adults to learn about gerontology and the field of aging.
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 Feedback
Is there a particular topic you would like to read about in our next newsletter? Was there something you found informative in this edition?
Contact Darren Cooper at d5cooper@ryerson.ca and let us know your thoughts and suggestions.
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