Research is the definition of hope

A special reception was held today to celebrate the release of the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation's latest publication, Impacting Seniors' Health - The Value of Aging-Related Research in Saskatchewan.  This publication profiles researchers from across the province who are supported by SHRF funding, including many from the University of Saskatchewan and the College of Kinesiology, in addition to colleagues from the University of Regina, community groups, and partners. These researchers are working on innovative solutions to the challenges that our population and provincial systems will face with an aging population.

Patrick Odnokon, Interim CEO of SHRF, had an inspiring message in support of both the research being done in our province and why SHRF has chosen to share more about it through this publication.  "Research is the definition of hope," he said and through the projects and researchers featured in this publication, our province has a lot to be hopeful about. The research being done with SHRF's support will make a postive impact on the health of Saskatchewan's seniors, improving care and reducing strain on the healthcare system.

The group gathered today included a mix of researchers, community members and students - all of whom form a vital partnership when it comes to research. “We are making significant strides in our aging-related research by drawing on inter-disciplinary collaborations on campus and in the community to address not only treatment and therapy, but injury and disease prevention through exercise and activity,” said Dr. Chad London, dean of the U of S College of Kinesiology. “We are committed to fostering a team approach that includes our students, our colleagues in other colleges, and our community partners, in order to improve outcomes and quality of life for all seniors.”

One of the researchers profiled, Dr. Larry Brawley, is also a College of Kinesiology professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier I).  He conveyed the importance of the collaborative approach to research that is fostered on our campus and in this province. Prevention is a key component of healthy aging and the strategies being developed within Saskatchewan will potentially benefit aging populations on a global scale.

When we continue to support and celebrate the innovative research being done in Saskatchewan, we are encouraging hope. Whether it is within our families, our community or our own future, projects that support healthy, active living in aging populations not only enrich individual lives but, through the potential to reduce costs to provincial systems, can benefit everyone in the province.