Taking the helm, Dr. Elizabeth Russell, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, has been appointed director for the Trent Centre for Aging & Society (TCAS), bringing extensive teaching and research expertise on aging in small, rural, and remote communities to the role.

“With a proposal for a university-integrated seniors village at Trent in development, and the burgeoning research programs stemming from TCAS, this is an opportune time to work closely with Dr. Russell and the executive committee to bring our University’s world-class interdisciplinary research in aging studies to the foreground,” said Dr. Neil Emery, vice-president, Research and Innovation. “We welcome Dr. Russell’s expertise in community health and rural aging research as we continue to work closely with our community partners in the Peterborough area.”

Professor Russell has served on the TCAS executive committee since 2018, playing a pivotal role in fostering connections between students, faculty, visiting scholars, and the public. Currently, Prof. Russell is also leading a research project supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) documenting barriers and supports for sustainable rural age-friendly programming. The study spans five sites across Ontario—from Durham Region to Temiskaming Shores, in northern Ontario—learning from the experiences of older adults and community representatives about the on-the-ground challenges of developing age-friendly communities, as well as the many success stories of fostering inclusiveness. Along with the new directorship, Prof. Russell assumes the coordinator role for the Graduate Specialization in Aging Studies.

“I'm excited to work with the wonderful group of people within TCAS and with our extended university and community partners,” Prof. Russell said about the appointment. “The tireless work of previous directors, Dr. Sally Chivers and Dr. Mark Skinner, built a solid foundation of both national and international research, and productive connections with our community. I feel privileged to continue to develop this collaborative capacity with older adults and community partners both locally and further afield.”

Outgoing director Professor Chivers has spent the last two years building the leadership reputation of TCAS locally and globally. Prof. Chivers has facilitated lectures and panels at Trent and for the Peterborough community with over a dozen visiting scholars renowned in the field of aging studies. Prof. Chivers also co-chaired Trent Aging 2019, a conference that welcomed over 200 delegates from around the world in May 2019. She also worked closely with local arts and community services organizations, including the Theatre on King and Age-friendly Peterborough, to foster meaningful connections between academia and on-the-ground programming.

“We are grateful for Prof. Chivers’ impressive directorship over the last two years for the Trent Centre for Aging & Society,” said Professor Emery. “Prof. Chivers’ expertise in literature, film and art has not only demonstrated the interdisciplinary work of TCAS, but also helped advance critical thinking on aging and disability among our members and supporters, global scholars and Trent students.”

Learn more about the Trent Centre for Aging & Society.