Subhash Dighe retired after 50 years serving in the Hamilton area as a physiotherapist and healthcare administrator. Founder of many organizations and an active volunteer in professional, religious, social, and cultural organizations, Subhash is committed to ensuring that aging health researchers, caregivers, and policy makers are providing ethno-culturally sensitive policies, programs, and healthcare services to our aging population. His multifaceted life experiences and leadership in the community is demonstrated through his roles as a founding member and volunteer at a number of organizations, including the Gandhi Peace Festival and Gandhi Lectureship Foundation at McMaster University; Mahila Shanti Sena (Women’s Peace Corps) and Women’s Peace Brigade International; Seniors Seva Mandal (Hamilton); Hindu Temples in Hamilton, Ottawa and Winnipeg; and Shree Ganesh Yag Pariwar (Toronto).

Lance Dingman is a dynamic force, contributing significantly to mental health awareness, disability inclusivity, and homelessness initiatives in Hamilton, ON. As a peer support provider at West 5th Campus – St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and a board member of the Mental Health Rights Coalition, his profound connection to the mental health community is driven by sharing his own life experiences to foster understanding and create change. Lance contributes to many community engagement initiatives that are meaningful to him and has also been a vital part of the Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities in the City of Hamilton, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility. His dedication to sharing his own lived experiences and insights to break down barriers has made a profound impact for change, making him a compelling voice in the Collaborative.

Tina Falbo is a retired teacher and McMaster University alumni. She believes that each stage of life presents a new opportunity for learning. Keeping up to date on healthy aging research is important to her. Tina was a full-time caregiver for several years and, as an advocate, experienced many challenges navigating our complex healthcare system. She values the learning and engagement opportunities offered by the Collaborative and is optimistic that the contributions of older adults will have a positive impact on research and health for our aging population.

Michael Kirk retired from the Ontario Public service after 28 years of service and pursued a second ten-year career in teaching at a private college. He is a passionate believer in both lifelong learning and exploring new horizons. Over the last 18 years, he has sought out volunteer opportunities in the not-for-profit sector as well as contributing his time as a patient educator and advocate in healthcare programs at Sheridan College and McMaster. As an older adult who is both a caregiver and someone with chronic illness, he is committed to sharing his lived experience as a way of giving back to the community.

Joyce Luyckx enjoyed a career as a senior executive in finance and held several management roles in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She is a co-caregiver for her elderly father as well as a care partner for her spouse with Alzheimer’s. Joyce is a firm believer in continuous learning, and she is interested in improving the lives of older adults as well as understanding how research can positively shape and address the growing needs of the aging population.

Mark McNeil has dealt firsthand with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis for 55 of his 60+ years, and currently still lives in his own home. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario and has worked in the federal government public service sector for over 30 years. Mark has served on the Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) at Hamilton City Hall. He eagerly joined the Collaborative which has provided him with the opportunity to add another voice in promoting research and public policy that reflects input from many and contributes to healthy aging in an increasingly older population.

Kim Nolan has lived with secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis for over 32 years. As a mature student, she graduated in 2004 from McMaster University with combined degrees in social work, gerontology and religious studies. In 2009, Kim attained her master’s degree in social work with a focus on aging successfully with a disability. Post-graduation, Kim volunteered extensively with the City of Hamilton’s disability advisory committee and has been a member of the boards of DARTS Transit and the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton. Kim also volunteered at Macassa Lodge and with the Bob Kemp Hospice. Kim is hopeful that her educational background and life experience will be of value to the Collaborative as it develops and conducts its patient-engaged research on aging and health.

Penelope Petrie is a retired teacher and a lifelong learner. Penelope is a volunteer with several organizations in Hamilton and McMaster University that focus on issues impacting older adults. She joined the Collaborative because it offers several opportunities to learn about aging research, influence health policy, and promote healthy aging. Penelope’s goal is to ensure best practices are being implemented in communities in need. 

Volunteer work has always been important to Donna Weldon, who has been engaged in several volunteer roles and community initiatives. After working as a registered dietitian for more than 30 years, Donna retired in 2017, delighted to spend more time with her grandchildren, twin girls who now live in Guelph. As a retired health professional, Donna missed the opportunity to learn new things and exchange ideas with colleagues about research. The Collaborative offers her this opportunity as well as the chance to apply her knowledge, skills, and experiences to influence policy impacting older adults.