Rural Aging Research Program
Based at Trent University, in one of Canada’s most rapidly aging rural regions, the Rural Aging Research Program, created out of the now completed Canada Research Chair in Rural Aging, Health and Social Care program, works towards building new knowledge, collaborations and capacity aimed at better understanding and informing how rural communities are responding to population aging.
Featuring community-based research projects across Canada and internationally, Dr. Mark Skinner, Dr. Elizabeth Russell and their team are looking to uncover how older residents, volunteers, service providers, community leaders and policymakers are adapting, often in innovative ways, to the challenges and opportunities of aging rural communities.
One of the unique emphases of the Rural Aging Research Program, led by Dr. Mark Skinner, is on developing rural insights into the important and increasingly precarious role of volunteers and voluntary organizations in supporting aging in place and in sustaining aging communities into the 21st Century.
Another unique emphasis, led by Dr. Elizabeth Russell, is on understanding the factors that may help or hinder the sustainability of rural age-friendly initiatives and the ways that these initiatives may be limited in their scope, reach and ability to be inclusive of marginalized older adults.
The Rural Aging Research Program was awarded Trent University’s inaugural 2021 Research Impact Award for its work stewarding original and impactful research that makes a significant contribution to society. Additionally, Elizabeth Russell was awarded a 2022 Early Career Researcher Award.
Who we are
Dr. Mark Skinner
Mark Skinner, Ph.D., is Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Trent University, where he also holds the appointment of Professor of Geography in the Trent School of the Environment. A leading rural aging scholar, Mark was the founding director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society (2013-2018).
Follow Mark's research on Google Scholar.
E-mail - markskinner [at] trentu.ca
Dr. Elizabeth Russell
Elizabeth Russell, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Psychology at Trent University, and the Director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society.
E-mail - elizabethrussell [at] trentu.ca
Amber Zapletal
Amber Zapletal, M.A., is Coordinator of both the Rural Aging Research Program, and the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. She graduated in 2018 with the Collaborative Specialization in Aging Studies from the Masters of Arts in Sustainability Studies program at Trent University.
Follow Amber's research on Google Scholar.
Email - amberzapletal [at] trentu.ca
Erika Snowden
Erika Snowden is a Research Assistant for the Rural Aging Research Program and Administrative Assistant for the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. She is also a 4th year honours thesis student in Trent's Department of Psychology.
Email - esnowden [at] trentu.ca
