About SPA 2024
It is the Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030) and the world’s aging population is growing. By 2050, the world’s population of people aged 60 years and older will double (2.1 billion). In 2021, the World Health Organization called for urgent action to combat ageism in their Global Report on Ageism. Despite its pervasive nature and significant negative impacts, there are significant knowledge and research gaps regarding ageism and older adults. Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. Ageism amplifies cost and prevalence of negative health conditions in older adults.
The 2024 CIHR Institute of Aging Summer Program in Aging (SPA), will be focused on Ageism in Health Research, Delivery and Outcomes in Older Adults and will be a catalyst in building research capacity for this critical area of research on aging. SPA 2024 will provide trainees with a comprehensive and holistic understanding of ageism, with a specific focus on its impact on health research, delivery and outcomes in older adults with considerations also for research and education that will address ageism in health and social care. The overarching goal of SPA 2024 is to convene faculty members, trainees and stakeholders to build research capacity and excellence in the area of ageism and health in older adults. SPA 2024 will be delivered in English, which includes all resources.
SPA 2024 will be held at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, organized by the Centre for Aging SMART, from June 2-7, 2024. The formal program is expected to take place over five days, with time allocated for networking with other SPA 2024 participants. Trainees are required to attend all program sessions and networking events, with some events occurring in the evening and/or early morning. A timetable will be provided to participants upon acceptance and prior to the training program.
Over the course of the SPA 2024, trainees will have the opportunity to engage in lectures, discussion and activities built around the core thematic area Ageism in Health Research, Delivery, and Outcomes in Older Adults. Aside from lectures centred on the program area, trainees will explore fundamental topics such as research and professional skill building, grant writing, research communication, incorporating the perspective of those with lived experience in research and the importance of knowledge mobilization. To further the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary experience, trainees will have access to networking and mentoring opportunities with national and international mentors.