What are the factors that contribute to better health outcomes among aging adults? That鈥檚 what AV俱乐部 aims to discover, thanks to a transformative $2-million gift from Shannex.
The family-owned organization, a leader in long-term care and residential facilities, announced the gift on Tuesday (May 28) part of a $3.5-million investment it is making to support healthy aging research in Atlantic Canada. The announcement is timely; more than 22 per cent of the region鈥檚 population is age 65 or older, surpassing that of any other region in the country. That percentage is also expected to grow over the coming years, which creates unique health challenges both for Atlantic Canada and the world.
鈥淧eople are living longer,鈥� says Jason Shannon, president of Shannex. 鈥淭he idea that people retire at a specific age is outdated. At Shannex, we embrace the long life, the healthy, engaged, and contributing life. We鈥檙e challenging ourselves and our partners to work together to create a longevity-ready society, one that is inclusive and focused on the opportunities of this wonderful new reality.鈥澛�
Enhancing the safety and well-being of seniors
At AV俱乐部, Shannex鈥檚 gift will support the creation of the Shannex Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Healthy Aging. Working collaboratively with Dal鈥檚 faculties of Health and Computer Science, the research chair will develop predictive models to enhance the safety and well-being of seniors. It will also draw on available data to identify and propose other proactive strategies for enhancing long-term care systems and improving health outcomes.
鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to partner with Shannex on this critical research chair position in AI聽and healthy aging,鈥� says Dr. Kim Brooks, president and vice-chancellor, AV俱乐部. 鈥淭he Chair will help support the health and well-being of older adults by harnessing the power and potential of artificial intelligence. This announcement also lays the groundwork for future collaboration with the province and other health-care organizations.鈥�
Solving complex societal and health challenges
The Shannex gift will also support the creation of the Shannex Research Lab in AI and Healthy Aging, which will be co-located with AV俱乐部鈥檚 Healthy Aging research hub. It will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and research that leads to a better understanding of health among seniors, as well as the trajectory of frailty and ways that it can be prevented or reversed.
Dr. Christian Blouin, acting dean of the Faculty of Computer Science, believes the research chair and lab will foster a more interdisciplinary approach to healthy aging that will be essential in solving complex societal and health challenges.
鈥淭he Shannex Chair will take a data-driven approach to optimize care delivery, enhance resident experience, and drive sustained improvements in the long-term care sector,鈥� says Dr. Blouin, shown above right.
鈥淚nvestment like this by industry partners is crucial to moving targeted, applied research forward. I want to acknowledge Shannex鈥檚 leadership, which is an important step in building out Nova Scotia鈥檚 capacity to harness the capacity of AI in health care.鈥�
A bold step forward
Dr. Brenda Merritt, dean of the Faculty of Health agrees, added that the Chair represents a bold step forward in health innovation. She says it will draw on AV俱乐部鈥檚 research infrastructure and expertise in ways that support low-cost assessments and interventions that are scalable in community, clinic, and long-term care settings. It will also bring together academic and industry leaders to find ways to support healthy aging across the lifespan.
Dr. Brenda Merritt.
鈥淪hannex is working to provide their residents with the best possible care and Dal is training providers, conducting research, and developing resources to help enhance that care,鈥� Dr. Merritt says. 鈥淭hat creates a perfect opportunity to come together to find ways to help people maintain their health as they age. We鈥檙e thankful for the support of Shannex and their commitment to bettering the lives of those who live and work in the communities we both serve.鈥�