[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/centre for aging.jpg” caption=”Gary Carr, chair of Halton Region, and Susan Elliott, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.”]Providing a better quality of life for seniors through education and research is the focus of a new agreement between McMaster University and the Regional Municipality of Halton.

The joint initiative will establish the McMaster-Halton Centre for Knowledge Transfer in Aging and Health. Halton Region Services and McMaster University's partnership will promote increased learning for university students and improved care for the residents in Halton's long-term care homes.

“Halton will become a site for gerontological research where McMaster students will receive valuable training,” says Susan Elliott, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University. “In addition, this collaboration with Halton regional staff will identify ways in which to best serve seniors and improve the health and well-being of the aging population.”

At the centre, undergraduate students will also have the opportunity to conduct empirical research for their fourth-year honours thesis. Not only will the center provide a base for data collection and access to patients, but Halton staff can lend their expertise and supervise McMaster students throughout the research process.

“This relationship promotes a closer tie between Halton Region and McMaster University,” said Gary Carr, chair of Halton Region. “The partnership benefits Regional staff and students, which in turn is a benefit to Halton residents.”