Events

New Directions in Aging & Lifelong Health Research Showcase

Monday, November 9, 2026 
2:00 to 4:00pm (1:30pm doors open)
Upper Lounge, Student Union Building, UVic
Free. Registration required through Eventbrite.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Three interdisciplinary health research teams present their projects from STRIDE's 2025-26 mentorship program. 

2:00pm
Welcome, Territorial Acknowledgement

2:05- 2:30pm
Team Lai/Cutler
Surgical Menopause and Brain Structure: A Systematic Review of Grey Matter Volume and White Matter Integrity
Mentors: Dr. Claudia Lai, Assistant Professor, Health Info. Sci./Pharmacy
Dr. Dylan Cutler, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Psychology
Trainees: Hayley Casey, Matilde Cervantes Navarrete, Isabella Tucci

2:35 - 3:00pm       
Team Ames:
Healthcare distrust and COVID-19 vaccine confidence among equity-deserving youth: A scoping review
Mentor: Dr. Megan Ames, Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology
Trainees: Doug Williscroft, Emiko Osborne, Esty-Jo Asare

3:00-3:15pm            
Break

3:15-3:40pm            
Team Swayne
Blueberries for brain health? Challenges and opportunities related to harnessing the potential of dietary anthocyanins for promoting brain health across the lifespan 
Mentor: Dr. Leigh Anne Swayne, Professor, Neuroscience
Trainees: Cole Kennedy, Naz Babaei, Samantha Coleborn

3:45pm
Closing Remarks

Community Writing Series 

Join IALH's new Writer-In Residence, Harriet Burns, BFA, for a creative, relaxing, fun writing session. All are welcome!

Friday, November 13
10am-12pm
Location: Hut R, Room103a, UVic

The theme is “autofiction and writing memory.” November 13 session will be a guided group writing session focusing on detail recollection and turning one’s experiences into narrative. Participants will be encouraged to take memories and experiences which resonate with them, and turn them into creative pieces. Open to members of both the IALH and writing communities as well as any folks from local long-term care units who are interested in participating.

Please join Harriet for a series of community writing events! Limited seats available. Sign up by emailing h.pat.burns@gmail.com

Dr. Miriam Sang-Ah Park

Principal Lecturer (Internationalisation and External Partnership) for the School of Social Sciences 

Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom

The Better Choices, Better Health® Online Self-Management Program, is the online version of the internationally recognised Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, developed and tested at the Stanford University Patient Education Centre. 

This is a free, six-session, asynchronous web-based program offered on a dedicated website that meets government privacy requirements. It is open to BC adults of all ages living with one or more ongoing health conditions.   A computer and internet connection are required; no web-cams needed; and participants do not need to be online at the same time.

In this group (max. 25 participants), moderated by two trained peer facilitators, you will learn about:

• Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
• Appropriate use of medications
• Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
• Healthy eating
• Making informed treatment decisions
• Disease-related problem solving
• Advanced directives

The Better Choices, Better Health Program enhances regular treatment and disease-specific education.

Sessions are highly participative through internal messaging and online discussion boards. Log in at your convenience for about 1.5 to 2 hours per week.

Weekly activities include:

• Reading
• Making and posting a weekly action plan
• Participating in problem-solving and guided exercises on bulletin boards
• Participating in self-tests and activities

To register, see https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/betterchoices 

For more information please visit www.selfmanagementbc.ca or call TOLL FREE: 1-866-902-3767