Advancing Equity-Centred Approaches in Aging Research: A Collaborative Journey 

Advancing Equity-Centred Approaches in Aging Research: A Collaborative Journey 

Highlights from Our 2024 Collaborative Event 

On November 14, 2024, the McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging, in partnership with the Centre for Community Based Research, hosted Equity-Centred Approaches to Engagement: An Interactive Capacity-Building Event at McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, ON. 

This year’s annual Collaborative event brought together a diverse group of researchers, trainees, older adult and caregiver partners, health professionals and community members committed to advancing equity-centered approaches to engaging and partnering with people with lived/living experience to improve research and the health system for older adults. 

Co-designed with Dr. Sarah Switzer and the Centre for Community Based Research, the event featured dynamic presentations, small-group discussions, and creative activities aimed to build trust, plan for diversity throughout the research process, and adopt intersectional approaches to engage diverse communities.

The diverse perspectives in the room, particularly those of older adult community members, enriched discussions and emphasized the importance of building long-term relationships over time rather than focusing solely on research questions. Through interactive activities, participants exchanged ideas, formed connections, and gained practical tools for embedding meaningful and equitable engagement principles and strategies in research beyond a checkbox approach in research. 

Attendee feedback highlighted the event’s success in fostering inspiration, collaboration, and a sense of community. Participants praised the warm and inclusive environment, which encouraged trust and connection—particularly through the power of in-person interaction. Many noted how the event’s unconventional activities and thoughtful facilitation sparked new ideas for equity-centered engagement. 

This event underscored the Collaborative’s commitment to equity and inclusion, offering a platform for collective learning and inspiration. Together, we reflected on shared goals, celebrated diverse perspectives, and left energized to continue fostering equity in health and aging research partnerships. 

To learn more about how the Collaborative can support you in your aging-focused research and engagement activities, visit our website or contact us. Swipe through our event album to see photo highlights from the event! 

Special Acknowledgments:  Many people contributed to the design and facilitation of this event. Sarah and the Collaborative team (Alison, Brenda, Rebecca, Soo) would like to express their special thanks to Meghan Gilfoyle, Subhash Dighe, Karina Tavernese and Rashmi Narkhede for their support with event co-design and preparation, as well as our older adult partners and trainees (Aref, Bridget, Donna, Janet, Kylie, Maggie, Mark, Rashmi, Sophia, Tina) for their support with table facilitation. 

Funding for the McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging is provided by the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit, which is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Province of Ontario and partner Ontario hospital foundations and institutes.