The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable, non-profit organization founded by Ron Schlegel that enhances the quality of life and care for older adults through research, education, and practice. They connect research to the real world and tackle the biggest issues facing an aging population. Their innovative approach to research is helping to change the way we age in Canada. The RIA is an independent organization that partners with various outside organizations including the University of Waterloo, Schlegel Villages and Conestoga College and are co-located at the University Gates Retirement Community In Waterloo. The co-location is key as it provides as an opportunity for a living classroom.
The cruel truth is that everyone is aging and this brings challenges. The RIA conducts research to enable people to live well at every age and to share their learnings. A recent example was a research project conducted in the Twp of Woolwich into social isolation which has been linked to increased incidence of dementia. The RIA asked the questions that people wanted answers too and provided solutions which in this case was in the form of a piloted handbook entitled "Supporting your Neighbours" that was distributed thru local organizations. An additional outcome of this study was that the funding organization was so happy with the results that they changed their future funding model to move away from pure research to practical research.
One of the RIA's researchers is Dr. Richard Hughson who is the Research Chair in Vascular Aging and Brain Health. His research is focussed on arterial stiffness and why older persons experience dizziness and increased risk of falling. A study of astronauts on the ISS conducted using repeated remote ultrasound exams of cardiovascular systems determined that 6 months in space advance aging of arteries the equivalent of 10-20 years. This is an innovative cross-over of space research with research into aging.
The RIA has 14 full time researchers and an annual budget of over $40M with a broad based fundraising plan being started to enable future growth.
For further info on the RIA, please visit their website at https://the-ria.ca/. On their website there is a large volume of free resources and tools, you can sign up for newsletters or sign up for research volunteer opportunities. Public tours are also available at various times throughout the year.