International collaboration sparks innovative ideas and new approaches to medication management in aging
Older adults with sensory impairments often face unique challenges in managing medications safely. To address these issues, Dr. Tejal Patel, clinical associate professor at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Margaret Watson, professor at the University of Strathclyde Glasgow co-hosted an aging symposium, Innovating Medication Management: Co-Creating Solutions for Older Adults with Sensory Impairments, at the School on Jul 7-8, 2025.
The event brought together over 20 researchers, including faculty and graduate students and experts in pharmacy, digital health and aging, to explore technology-driven approaches and to collaboratively identify top research priorities aimed at improving medication adherence, reducing errors and supporting older adults’ independence.
Photo credit: Bincy Baby (MSc'24), research co-ordinator in Dr. Patel's lab at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy
Over two days attendees reflected on key findings, generated new ideas and co-developed priorities to advance research and innovation in this space.
“This marks an exciting step toward translating these insights into actionable research and practical solutions to improve the lives of older adults with sensory impairments. We’re truly grateful for everyone’s contributions and we’re looking forward to the work ahead,” Dr. Patel says.
Collaboration between the University of Waterloo, Strathclyde and Alberta fostered international knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary problem-solving, combining expertise in pharmacy, digital health and aging to support impactful, real-world solutions. The symposium fostered international knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary problem-solving, laying the groundwork for impactful, real-world solutions.