Health and Community Services
March 31, 2008

Minister Announces Funding for Research on Aging and Seniors Issues

In keeping with the Provincial Government�s commitment to support healthy aging in Newfoundland and Labrador, $200,000 is being invested to support research projects on issues relating to aging and seniors. The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors, made the announcement today as he addressed an aging research forum hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research (NLCAHR).

"This funding was a key action item in our Healthy Aging Policy Framework and the research projects it generates will provide us with vital information on a wide variety of issues relating to aging and seniors," said Minister Wiseman. "Our population is aging faster than any other jurisdiction in the country and it is crucial that we have the necessary information to shape our policies, programs and services so that the needs of seniors are appropriately met."

The funding will support research grants focusing on the needs of individuals as they age. A call for research grant proposals will be issued by the committee this year. The call will highlight priority areas such as the impact of aging on persons with disabilities, housing requirements and supportive care, palliative and dementia care models, promoting the proper use of medication and mental health and addictions. The funds will be distributed in partnership with NLCAHR through a planning and selection committee.

"Good policy requires evidence from research and good research requires funding," said Dr. Stephen Bornstein, Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research. "This is a great way of getting research done right here in Newfoundland and Labrador that looks specifically at the questions and issues that are relevant or unique to our provincial population."

The Provincial Healthy Aging Implementation Plan - Year 1: 2007-2008: Building a Foundation supports the Provincial Government�s vision of a supportive, age-friendly province which enables seniors to live independently and experience good health and well-being. The plan involves the development of critical tools for achieving these goals.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Glenda Power
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-2377, 685-1741
glendapower@gov.nl.ca

 

2008 03 31                                                      9:30 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement