Home to the renowned Trent Centre for Aging & Society (launched ten years ago), Trent University is recognized worldwide for our research and integration of senior care and health practices in our programs and initiatives. 

Trent experts in gerontology have made and continue to make excellent contributions to the field, seeking to eradicate issues in the stereotyping, representation, and care of seniors. With the introduction of a new Master of Arts program in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies, Trent hopes to inspire new generations of innovators. Students will learn to implement more diverse applications to seniors research and care among various fields such as psychology, nursing, sociology, and more.  

Research Innovations

As a leader in aging studies, Trent continues to make research contributions to the field, most recently:  

• Métis student, Sebastian Koprich (Peter Gzowski College), discovered a noticeable rise in heart-related diseases among the 65+ Ontario Metis population through his research on cardiovascular health. He is now advocating for cultural sensitivity and recognition of disparities within the healthcare system. 
• Trent professor Dr. Stephanie Tobin and her team discovered an anti-aging compound in mammalian muscle cells, which could provide significant insights into the aging process and aid in maintaining muscle health in old age. 
• Trent’s dean of humanities and social sciences, Dr. Mark Skinner, explored the benefits of socially inclusive dance programs for individuals with dementia.

Care Based Humanitarian Efforts

Trent works to improve the lives and care of seniors within local communities:  

• Trent students and staff created over 130 holiday cards for residents of the Fairhaven retirement community, providing warmth and connection for residents during a time of heightened isolation, and helping to destress students and staff during the busy exam time. 
• A joint effort between Trent, Fleming College, and SpacesShared, a home-sharing platform, pairs senior hosts with student tenants, providing a mutually beneficial housing arrangement. 
• Debra Cooper Burger, chair of Trent’s Board of Governors and former nurse, received the 2024 Norma Rudy Award from AdvantAge for her voluntary contributions to senior care. 

Senior-Student Learning Experiences

Trent strives to enhance learning opportunities in aging studies for its students:  

• A new M.A. in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies is helping students prepare for careers working with seniors. Students gain skills in critical analysis of contemporary aging issues and learn practical applications for addressing age-related challenges.  
• Two psychology students, Bianca Torunsky and Daniel McCallum commented on the importance of first-hand experience for learning as they recounted their experiences caring for their 91-year-old grandfather.  
• Trent Durham faculty discusses The Living Lab, a unique and immersive educational experience in the challenges and rewards of working in geriatric care. 
• New Seniors Village and Long-Term Care Home will offer new on-campus opportunities for Nursing, Social Work and Business students to conduct research through Trent’s Centre for Aging & Society.