Allied and Partner Organizations

The Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is a University of British Columbia affiliated, internationally recognized research centre developing discoveries and new knowledge related to novel Solutions for Mobility, Activity, Rehabilitation and Technology. Our interdisciplinary team of researchers develop and test innovative treatments to improve the lives of older adults or people living with a disability. These treatments include exercise prescriptions, surgical innovations, chronic disease management, pharmacological regimes, assistive technology and advanced technologies. The vision of the Centre for Aging SMART at VCH is to ensure that people of all ages and abilities enjoy a life with quality

The GrandPals Program an intergenerational program that connects an elementary school class with a small team of GrandPals (adults over 55) to engage in weekly, open conversations providing a path for connection and learning through storytelling. Students, Host Teachers and GrandPals benefit through forming bonds, throughout the program, that build understanding, mutual respect and an increased sense of belonging. 

Community Links is a province-wide organization in Nova Scotia that supports the establishment of age-friendly, inclusive communities by linking with others to promote needed changes. Community Links uses a community development model and supports the work of coalition members who are interested in making communities more age-friendly and in promoting healthy aging, with an emphasis on physical activity and other factors that help prevent falls.

CanAge is an independent nonprofit advocacy organization that educates, empowers and mobilizes people on the issues that matter most to older Canadians. CanAge works collaboratively with corporate, nonprofit organizations, the media and governments to amplify seniors’ issues, influence policy, and effect change. Our work includes: Advocacy; Education & Knowledge Mobilization; Partnership & Coalition Building; Policy & Program Development; Elder Friendly Audits & Toolkit.

The Canadian Red Cross helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience. As one of Canada’s leading humanitarian charities, the Canadian Red Cross improves the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

The Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA) runs the sole Pan-Canadian knowledge hub focused on elder abuse. CNPEA connects people and organizations, fosters the exchange of reliable information, and advances program and policy development on issues related to preventing the abuse of older adults. They do this work at the local, regional, provincial/territorial, and national levels. CNPEA aims to increase their collective capacity to respond to, and prevent the abuse of older people. They envision a Canadian society where older adults are valued, respected, and live free from abuse.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.

The Institute of Aging (IA) was established by the CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) to support research, to promote healthy aging and to address causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with aging. Its goal is to improve the quality of life and health of older Canadians by understanding and addressing or preventing the consequences of a wide range of factors associated with aging.

The Canadian Frailty Network (CFN) is Canada’s sole network devoted to improving care for older Canadians living with frailty and supporting their families and caregivers. CFN does this by increasing recognition and assessment of frailty, increasing evidence for decision making, advancing evidence-based changes to care, educating the next generation of care providers, and by engaging with older adults and caregivers.