Presentation schedule

The theme is Dialogue on Aging. This year's sessions will be available in a hybrid format, with attendees invited to participate in person or stream sessions live online.

As part of the Spring Research Symposium, attendees are invited to view the poster sessions taking place in the Multi-Purpose Rooms, second floor. Additional virtual posters will also be available on the Centre's Web site on May 7.

Michelle Porter, Director, Centre on Aging

Stephanie Chesser, Ph.D., assistant professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management; Research Affiliate, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba

Therapeutic recreation (also referred to as recreation therapy or recreational therapy) is a strengths-based health profession that uses recreation and leisure interventions in purposeful, carefully facilitated ways to help improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals who have encountered challenges in their daily lives. Personal care homes residents are one of the many groups who have been shown to benefit from therapeutic recreation; however, those working in the field can face challenges in their quest to deliver quality, person-centered programming. This presentation will share findings from two research projects seeking to understand how we might better support therapeutic recreation delivery in Manitoba personal care homes. 

Jonathan Singer, PhD, associate professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management; Research Affiliate, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba

The ability to maintain balance is a critical aspect of independent mobility, but the loss of balance and subsequent falls are leading causes of injury and reduced mobility among older adults. This presentation will explore current research on how individuals maintain balance during movement, the neuromechanical changes that occur with aging, and the strategies or interventions that may help preserve balance as we age. We will discuss what is well understood, what remains unclear, and how emerging research is shaping approaches to balance control in aging populations.

Visit the Multi-Purpose Room to view the poster session, meet with exhibitors, and connect with UM representatives for the Age-Friendly University Showcase.

Virtual posters presentation links will be available on the Poster presentation web page on May 7, 2025.

Light refreshments will be served.

Enrique Fernandez, Ph.D., professor, Department of French, Spanish and Italian, Faculty of Arts; Research Affiliate, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba 

This presentation delves into how the transformations of the human body throughout a lifetime were perceived and experienced during the Renaissance in Europe. Changes such as growth, aging, the acquisition and loss of skills, and the impacts of ailments and wounds were often taken for granted and left unremarked. However, in some instances, we have both direct and indirect testimonies that reveal how individuals experienced these changes and adjusted to them.

Visit the multi-purpose room to view the poster session, meet with exhibitors, and connect with UM representatives for the Age-Friendly University Showcase.

Virtual posters presentation links can be found on the Poster presentation web page.

For those interested, view the poster sessions, visit the exhibitors, and connect with University of Manitoba representatives at the Age-Friendly University Showcase, which will take place in the MPR.

Christina Lengyel, Ph.D., professor, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences; Research Affiliate, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba

Mealtimes in long term care homes (LTCH) are complex and influence the food intake and quality of life of residents. Malnutrition rates are high in LTCH, but improvements can be made with emphasis on meal quality, meal access and mealtime experience. This session will discuss challenges faced by residents and staff, and strategies to improve intake among older adults residing in LTCH. 

Heather Campbell-Enns, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychology; Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Families and Aging, Canadian Mennonite University; Research Affiliate, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba

Family-provided care for persons living with dementia presents unique challenges due to the progressive nature, duration, and complexity of the condition, as well as the changing skills, circumstances, and needs of caregivers. In the case of intergenerational family care, adult children of persons living with dementia may take key caregiving roles, while still sharing these responsibilities with their siblings. This presentation will discuss the experiences of siblings providing care for parents living with dementia, focusing on the distribution of caregiving responsibilities and the impact of caregiving on sibling relationships.

Visit the Multi-Purpose Room to view the poster session, meet with exhibitors, and connect with UM representatives for the Age-Friendly University Showcase.

Virtual posters presentation links will be available on the Poster presentation web page on May 7, 2025.

Kristin Reynolds, Ph.D., associate professor and director, Clinical Training, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts; Research Affiliate, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba

As humans, we are hard-wired to connect. The benefits of social connection run vast and deep, enhancing mental, physical, and cognitive health.  In contrast, loneliness is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, anxiety, and depression. It can be hard to recognize when one is having challenges with loneliness and co-occurring mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and if recognized, finding and accessing supports is often met with further barriers. The CONNECT Program – a 6-session telephone-based group program – was co-designed by University of Manitoba and Brandon University researchers and graduate students, A&O: Support Services for Older Adults, and mental health service providers working with adults 55+, as an evidence-based, accessible service to promote understanding of one’s feelings, and connection with the present moment and with others. In this presentation, we will describe the components of The CONNECT Program and surrounding evidence of its feasibility, acceptability, and initial outcomes. We will also discuss the national expansion of The CONNECT Program with cross-Canada partnerships, providing implications for partnered research in aging and mental health. 

Return evaluation forms and name badges to the Registration Desk in front of the Multi-Purpose Room, second floor.

• 41st Spring Research Symposium (PDF)
• 40th Spring Research Symposium (PDF).
• 39th Spring Research Symposium (PDF)
• 38th Spring Research Symposium (PDF)

To request to view past Spring Research Symposium programs, email the Centre on Aging.