Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) bridges research and real-world application to enhance senior living across Canada and beyond. Established in 2005 through the vision of Dr. Ron Schlegel, the RIA blends academic excellence with frontline care environments.
Through partnerships with the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, and a wide range of community organizations, the RIA addresses critical challenges in dementia care, culture change, technology-based senior living, and health workforce development. Their model prioritizes co-design, ensuring that older adults, care partners, educators, and healthcare professionals shape research questions and benefit directly from the solutions.
The RIA offers a library of practical resources, training modules, and leadership development tools for those serving seniors, including downloadable guides, recipes for healthy aging, webinars, and innovative approaches to spiritual care and person-centered practice.
Research-driven programs and resources connecting academia and real-world senior care.
Focus areas include dementia, spirituality, food and nutrition, workforce development, and technology.
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How You Might Use this Resources
Ministry leaders serving aging populations or those in long term care can integrate RIA’s resources into congregational care ministries, spiritual director roles or pastoral training. Start by exploring their dementia-friendly guides, spirituality webinars, and person-centered care toolkits. Consider hosting a training session for lay leaders using RIA’s materials, or partner with healthcare ministries to promote initiatives around dementia support, intergenerational engagement, or spiritual resilience in later life.