About the Centre

The Simon Fraser University Gerontology Research Centre (GRC) was established in 1982 under the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s Population Aging Strategic Initiative. The Gerontology Programs followed in 1983 and the two units create strong research, training and knowledge translation synergies.

The vision of the GRC is to enhance the well-being of older adults through research, training and outreach in the policy and practice arenas, including government, NGOs, the private sector, and other service organizations. The GRC promotes and conducts innovative interdisciplinary research on topics relating to individual and population aging and provides research and consultation services to the academic community, government, NGOs, public and private organizations. The GRC supports several post-doctoral and researchers in residence; a Communication Officer; has a highly active publications program (including our bi-annual "GRC News" newsletters); hosts workshops and conferences (John K. Friesen Conference in Gerontology, Ellen M. Gee Memorial Lecture); and provides Free Public Lectures. The GRC also houses two SFU Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging data collection sites that will continue to bring in substantial funding to SFU and the GRC over the course of this 20 year longitudinal study of over 51,000 Canadians aged 45-85 at baseline (2012), and supports researchers in mining this research resource.

The GRC is committed to strengthening research capacity in aging by fostering strong mutually supportive relationships with faculty and research hubs across SFU and beyond, including future provincial, national and international network development. The GRC maintains an exceptional national and international reputation as a top-tier research centre, and supports strong community linkages to further enhance the well-being of older adults.