uOttawa News

OTTAWA, March 3, 2015  —  The International Longevity Centre of Canada and the University of Ottawa are proud to announce that the Faculty of Health Sciences will house the first and only International Longevity Centre in Canada (ILC Canada) and join the worldwide International Longevity Centre Global Alliance (ILC Global Alliance). This internationally accredited policy organizationis a member of a multinational consortium that focuses on the potential for members of societies to live longer, healthier lives.

International Longevity Centres are well-positioned to foster partnerships that contribute to the creation and sharing of knowledge about aging individuals and societies that could influence policy.  They advocate for the needs and rights of seniors by identifying ways in which they can lead healthy, fulfilling and active lives throughout their lifespan.

"As the Canadian population ages, there is a clear need for an International Longevity Centre in Canada,” said Margaret Gillis, founding president of ILC Canada. “Currently, there is no organized national body with the vision and mandate that ILC Canada will have: to actively engage and align key stakeholders and experts on aging with the ability to network, share knowledge and strategize in order to cohesively impact policy.”

The University of Ottawa is proud to stand as the Canadian university partner that will host ILC Canada.

“Together, we will not only advance knowledge on issues related to enhancing quality of life across the lifespan, but also join a network of international leaders to create a forum for knowledge exchange around innovative interventions and their application in the professional preparation of future health care workers and policies makers,” said Hélène Perrault, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “We believe this partnership will facilitate the development and implementation of evidence-based policies, and the training of a highly qualified next generation of health care professionals providing services to seniors worldwide. A healthier aging population benefits us all, ”concluded the dean.

ILC-Canada received its accreditation during the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance meeting in London, England in late October, 2014.

The Centre will be officially launched later in 2015.

The International Longevity Centre Global Alliance
The International Longevity Centre Global Alliance (ILC Global Alliance) is an international consortium of member organizations. The mission of the ILC Global Alliance is to help societies to address longevity and population ageing in positive and productive ways, typically by using a life course approach and by highlighting older people's productivity and contributions to family and society as a whole. The Alliance member organisations carry out the mission by developing ideas, undertaking research and creating forums for debate and action, in which older people are key stakeholders.

The University of Ottawa—A crossroads of cultures and ideas
The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada’s top 10 research universities—our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today’s challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe.

Media inquiries:

Kina Leclair
Media Relations Officer
Office: 613-562-5800 (2529)
Cell.: 613-762-2908
kleclair@uOttawa.ca

Tweet