Social Connectedness and Resilience Among Marginalized Older Adults and Caregivers: Co-Produced Intersectoral Knowledge Implemented with Community Organizations

Project Description

Social Connectedness and Resilience Among Marginalized Older Adults and Caregivers: Co-Produced Intersectoral Knowledge Implemented with Community Organizations

The master's (or doctoral or post-doctoral) project will be part of an innovative research project examining ways to foster social ties and resilience in the post-pandemic, in conjunction with a research team in British Columbia. The project will target groups of seniors at high risk of social isolation: i) non-visible minorities; ii) people experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression; iii) people having difficulty performing daily tasks; and iv) their caregivers. More specifically, the project aims to 1) establish a research network of advocacy groups and organizations providing services to seniors and their caregivers in Quebec to define the challenges associated with social isolation; 2) co-develop an evidence-based response to organizational needs; and 3) implement strategic innovations within organizations with similar goals and contexts to evaluate co-developed approaches aimed at reducing marginalization and social isolation in targeted groups.

First, academic research will be assessed and synthesized (including a review of literature and data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging) in relation to the needs of community organizations. Research-based knowledge will then be translated into plain language (French and English), in a practice-oriented format, in collaboration with partners interested in fostering social connectedness and resilience among seniors. Finally, the research team will evaluate innovations in this sector and share approaches deemed effective. The anticipated results of this research will help fill gaps in service provision within community organizations that support seniors, as well as being of interest to researchers working on innovative ways to foster social connectedness and resilience among marginalized groups. 

Under the supervision of Dr. Mélanie Levasseur and her research team, the student will play an active role in data collection and analysis, including conducting focus group interviews, and will collaborate with the British Columbia team on knowledge transfer activities.

The project will be carried out at the Research Centre on Aging (CdRV) of the CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS, one of the most important specialized centers on aging in Canada, and home to some fifty nationally and internationally recognized researchers in several disciplines. This renowned and well-established environment offers a dynamic setting, conducive to professional growth and the emergence of interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Special requirement: Apply for CdRV, FRQ and CIHR research grants.

The last update was on 23 November 2023. The University reserves the right to modify its projects without notice.