Mei Fang awarded the Michael Smith Health Research BC 2024 Convening and Collaborating Award

Congratulations to Mei Fang, assistant professor of Urban Aging in the Department of Gerontology and Urban Studies at Simon Fraser University, on receiving a 2024 Michael Smith Health Research BC Convening and Collaborating (C2) Award.

Fang, along with project co-lead Gerald Dragomir, is spearheading the project “Exploring the Role of Seniors Centres within the Primary Healthcare System.” This initiative is a collaboration between SFU and the 411 Seniors Centre, with co-leadership and research support from Rebecca White, PhD student, Department of Gerontology at SFU. 

As the older adult population continues to grow, seniors centres are increasingly recognized for their role in promoting social connectivity and well-being. However, discussions around the integration of seniors centres into the primary healthcare system have often been overlooked. This project seeks to expand the role of seniors centres through strategic collaboration and research opportunities.

The project will convene key stakeholders, including representatives from four Vancouver-based senior centres and four healthcare providers. Over the course of five workshops, Fang and Dragomir will co-develop a research and practice agenda using a Theory of Change framework. This framework will guide the identification of long-term goals, necessary conditions for success, and measurable indicators to track progress and effectiveness. 

Including seniors centres in healthcare discussions is essential for improving access to resources and services for older adults. By connecting senior-serving organizations with healthcare providers, this initiative will foster social connectivity and support an integrated care model to shape how healthcare is delivered.

Additionally, this initiative aims to improve cross-sectoral collaboration to develop insights on how integrated efforts can better support health outcomes for older adults and establish a research and practice agenda to explore the role of senior centres within primary healthcare. Ultimately, this will lead to better health outcomes and enhance both access to healthcare and the quality of care for older adults.