University of Victoria centre celebrates 20 years

ThereB次元官网网址檚 something fitting about the University of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Centre on Aging celebrating a milestone.

The interdisciplinary research centre is entering its 20th year in 2012. Over two decades itB次元官网网址檚 become one of CanadaB次元官网网址檚 foremost examiners of the issues facing our aging population, and their impact on society as a whole.

It seems like a no-brainer that the subject would merit scrutiny, but that wasnB次元官网网址檛 always the case.

B次元官网网址淲hen the centre first opened, there was very little focus in our community on aging, despite the fact that even then, the percentage of older adults was higher in Victoria than most other parts of British Columbia,B次元官网网址� says Holly Tuokko, who has been with the centre since 1997 and became its director in 2009.

How things change. These days, the centre has nearly 50 research affiliates in 18 different areas of study, from engineering to nursing, biochemistry to anthropology. Research projects focus on such topics as housing, health service usage and caregiving, among many others.

ItB次元官网网址檚 all part of an effort to paint a comprehensive picture of what life is like for older adults, and where our aging population is headed.

B次元官网网址淎s weB次元官网网址檝e moved forward, more and more of us have become aware of the issues related to aging,B次元官网网址� Tuokko says. B次元官网网址�(Studying) the impact on society and how society can contribute to healthy aging, (can help) to keep as many of us healthy and active as long as possible.B次元官网网址�

The director herself is in the midst of a national study looking at the hot-button issue of seniors and driving. Opinions abound on whether restrictions should be imposed on drivers once they reach a certain age, but Tuokko points out that very few B次元官网网址� including those which shape government policy B次元官网网址� are based on hard facts.

B次元官网网址�(Policy) was developed many years ago ... without the data behind it,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淣ow weB次元官网网址檙e collecting the data to make sure the practices that are going on are in fact the best practices.B次元官网网址�

To be clear, Tuokko adds, the goal is not necessarily to get seniors off the road.

B次元官网网址淥ur study is to identify at what points we might need to do some more looking at people, or what kinds of things will assist people.B次元官网网址�

Neena Chappell, centre director for the first 10 years and currently a research affiliate, says this is a particularly important time for the study of aging.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e the first cohort where everybody lives to old age,B次元官网网址� she explains. B次元官网网址淚n earlier times, a few people would live as long as most do today, but now we virtually all do, and we can expect to.B次元官网网址�

In addition, Chappell points out, the first of the baby boomers are now entering retirement, which has profound implications for society as a whole.

B次元官网网址淥ur definition of old age may start to be defined as older.B次元官网网址�

Chappell is involved in several studies currently underway at the centre. One involves looking at drugs being given to people with dementia and how their effects are perceived by patientsB次元官网网址� family members and physicians. The results of the study could have some very real impacts down the road.

B次元官网网址淥ne of our deliverables at the end is to recommend whether they should be covered (by Pharmacare),B次元官网网址� Chappell says.

ItB次元官网网址檚 just one of many ways the work done at the centre can influence public policy, notes Tuokko.

B次元官网网址淚 think the centre has made many contributions to raising the profile of aging issues and finding ways to support, be proactive and facilitate positive change,B次元官网网址� she says.

Of course, looking back at the past can lead to gazing into the future. And Chappell sees a major shift on the horizon.

B次元官网网址淭he conversation is going to be very different,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淚nstead of declining fertility rates and old schools, you may well be talking about what weB次元官网网址檙e going to do with these empty nursing homes and assisted living places.B次元官网网址�

Whatever the questions, the Centre on Aging will more than likely be instrumental in finding the answers.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com