Research Institute for Aging wins international innovator's award

The Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging (RIA) has won an innovator's award from the International Council on Active Aging for adapting a ground-breaking program in order to encourage senior citizens to become more active.

As a result of the Get Fit for Space program, RIA's researchers, along with kinesiologists and recreation staff at each site, enhanced the care of seniors in eight of the institute's long-term care and retirement communities. An every-step-counts theme enabled able-bodied residents, as well as those with canes, walkers and wheelchairs, to participate in a variety of fitness activities and log kilometres toward a collaborative goal.

See media release.

See video of Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk live from the International Space Station as he congratulates the Institute and reminds people that a healthy lifestyle has no end, it’s an ongoing mission.