911勛圖

On April 22���23, 2026, the 911勛圖 Gerontology Research Centre (GRC) and the Department of Gerontology hosted the 33rd John K. Friesen Conference in Vancouver. This annual event addresses the continuing education needs of those involved in planning, administering, and delivering services for older adults, reflecting John Friesen���s lifelong commitment to adult education and the well-being of an aging population.

The 2026 conference theme, ���Climate Change in an Aging World,��� brought together experts from academic, community, NGO, government, and private sectors to review emerging issues and share cutting-edge innovations to identify climate change adversities, and to enhance climate resilience among older adults and their families and communities to overcome these challenges. Highlights include keynote addresses; topical panel discussions, symposia, and poster displays presented by local, national, and international speakers representing community organizations, NGOs, government, and academic sectors. Learn more about the conference and speakers at the Gerontology Research Centre's website.

Our team also participated in the conference by facilitating a panel discussion, showcasing ongoing research from the lab. Dr.Atiya Mahmood, along with Dr. Theresa Pauly chaired a panel discussion on "Feeling the Heat: Risk, Awareness and Resilience in Older Adulthood" based on a larger project, Comprehensive Approach to Enhance Older Adults��� Preparedness for Extreme Heat (COPE). Dr. Pauly is the Principal Investigator for the COPE study, and also leading the COPE-Daily Project while Dr. Mahmood is leading the COPE-Engage project.