This appointment means UM will help guide strategy, outreach, and educational efforts across the continent, working closely with the Global Network Secretariat to shape global initiatives.

The designation aligns directly with MOMENTUM, UM’s strategic plan and our commitment to fostering a vibrant community rooted in equity, diversity, human dignity, inclusivity, respect, well-being, and care for one another. Becoming the North American lead reinforces UM’s dedication to lifelong learning, intergenerational engagement, and research that addresses the needs of an aging society.

Decades of leadership in aging research and advocacy

UM has been at the forefront of aging-related work for decades as demonstrated by establishing Canada’s first research centre on aging in 1982. The Centre on Aging has earned a national and international reputation for excellence in research.

UM was the first Canadian university – and among the first globally – to endorse the age-friendly university principles launched by Dublin City University and joined the official AFU Global Network in 2016.

Through the Centre on Aging, UM has demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and age-friendly programming. Early research with citizen scientists shaped thinking around how universities can enable older individuals to engage fully in academic life. UM has actively encouraged other universities to join the AFU network, providing tools and guidance to support their efforts.

“The University of Manitoba is an ideal candidate for this leadership role, building on UM’s long-standing excellence in research and related activities that promote global age-friendly cities and environments,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity). “We are also committed to embedding an age-inclusivity lens across all priority areas to foster a truly supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty of every age.”

Meet the new regional co-leads

Michelle Porter
Director of the Centre on Aging and Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.
Porter has been a driving force behind UM’s age-friendly initiatives since 2015. Her research spans physical activity and aging, ageism, and mobility, and she has held leadership roles in national organizations like Active Aging Canada. She was instrumental in UM becoming Canada’s first AFU and brings decades of expertise in aging research and advocacy.

Angie Conrad
Anti-Ableism and Age-Inclusivity Specialist in the Office of Equity Transformation.
Conrad joined UM in 2025, bringing extensive experience in accessibility policy and program development from roles at Canada Post and the Manitoba government. Her work focuses on dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive frameworks, making her a strong advocate for age-inclusive practices within the university.

Current Age-Friendly Programming at UM

“For years, UM has provided a great range of opportunities for people of all ages through employment, research participation, lifelong learning, recreational and wellness programs, cultural or sporting events, and intergenerational engagement,” says Michelle Porter. “Our commitment to age-friendly principles is helping to break down barriers and welcome a growing community of older learners – and that is very encouraging to see.”

Here are some initiatives aligned with the Ten AFU Principles:

• Age-Friendly University Hub: An online resource showcasing UM’s commitment to age-inclusivity and providing tools for learners and educators.
  

  Sofia Clunie, Extended Education, talks with an attendee of the Age-Friendly University Showcase 2025.

• Micro-certificate in Facilitating Older Adult Learning: Launched in 2022, this program trains teachers and professional care workers to better serve older adults.
• Adult Companionship Services Directory: The directory connects older adults and their caregivers within the UM community with students offering support through companionship services.
• ESSENCE project: Informed by consultations with Senior Scholars and Professors Emeriti, a number of new programs and benefits were rolled out in Fall 2025 to increase engagement of UM’s Emeriti and Senior Scholars.
• Retirement Readiness resources: The Road to Retirement self-directed course on UM Learn helps staff and faculty navigate the non-financial aspects of retirement and a peer network allows for social connection and conversation about the impact of this significant life transition.
  

  Jasmine Brar, Rady Family Centre, at Age-Friendly University Showcase

• Age-Friendly University Showcase: Hosted by the Centre on Aging in conjunction with their annual spring research symposium, the AFU Showcase features programs, resources and opportunities for the UM community and the general public.
• Other time-limited projects: Initiatives such as technology training, an inter-generational art project, and campus wayfinding. 

Looking Ahead: Expanding Age-Friendly Practices Across North America

“There is more potential for UM to grow as a leader in this space, helping advance the adoption of age-inclusive practices beyond individual AFU universities to broader engagement across the region,” says Angie Conrad.

UM’s leadership role will amplify its influence in shaping inclusive education and research, ensuring that learners of all ages feel welcomed and supported.

The event awards cash prizes totaling $6,400 across five categories in two streams of competition, oral presentations and research poster displays. Ninety subject-matter experts joined the event as judges, representing 10 UM faculties.

As part of the day, students had the opportunity to explore their “entrepreneurial tooth” at the IDEA START booth to learn how to move ideas and innovation toward impact, using the many resources available at UM.

“This event rewards achievements in experiential learning throughout the many areas of student research and scholarly work at UM and highlights the innovation and creative power at the heart of our university,” said Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, associate vice-president (partnerships, knowledge mobilization and innovation).

“Such hand-on experiences at the undergraduate level expand our horizons, build networks and can open doors to new career opportunities. I congratulate all student participants in the showcase.”

Undergraduate Research Showcase 2025 winners

Applied Sciences

Poster format

1st– Loic Lambert, Quantifying skin subtraction performance in microwave breast imaging
Research Supervisor: Stephen Pistorius, Faculty of Science

2nd– Shirley Morris, Syncytia from scratch: generating placental organoids from human stem cells
Research Supervisor: Lei Xing, Faculty of Science

3rd– Khoi Nguyen, Electronics-Printed MEMS Lorentz Actuator Released by RIE with Integrated Electrostatic Hold-Down
Research Supervisor: Cyrus Shafai, Price Faculty of Engineering

Oral format

1st– Juliann Chan, Decoding the Behavioural Cues of Dairy Cattle: Automating Ear Position Identification Using a Convolutional Neural Network Model
Research Supervisor: Gabriel Dallago, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Creative Works

Poster format

1st– Cecilia Thompson, We Are The Canvas: A/R/Tography and the Power of Collective Art Education
Research Supervisor: Bruno De Oliveira Jayme, Faculty of Education

Health Sciences

Poster format

1st– Quinn Derksen, Exploiting RBX1 deficiency to identify novel therapeutic targets in tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma

Research Supervisor: Dr. Kirk McManus, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

2nd– David Ben, Reduced SKP2 Expression Induces Centrosome Overduplication in Tubo-Ovarian Cells

Research Supervisor: Dr. Kirk McManus, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

3rd– Hans Sanchez, Extracellular vesicle release with acute electrical pulse stimulation in skeletal muscle is AMPK-dependent
Research Supervisor: Dr. Ayesha Saleem, Centre on Aging

Oral format

1st– Khushleen Chaddha, Investigating the Effects of a Potential Chemotherapeutic

Research Supervisor: Dr. Mark Nachtigal, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

2nd– Lauren Castagna, The role of Empagliflozin in the prevention of chemotherapy mediated cardiotoxicity
Research Supervisor: Dr. Davinder Jassal, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

3rd– Jewel Paskaruk, SIRT3 Deficiency in the Liver Results in Hepatic Steatosis and Elevated Circulating Lipids in Gestational Diabetes
Research Supervisor: Dr. Vernon Dolinsky, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Natural Sciences

Poster format

1st– Sion Yi, CRISPR-Associated Transposase Reveals a Key Gene for Bioplastic Degradation in Burkholderia vietnamiensis LMG16232
Research Supervisor: Silvia T. Cardona, Faculty of Science

2^nd (tied)– Hargun Uppal, The influence of membrane phospholipid interactions with MgCl2 on antimicrobial susceptibility in E. coli
Research Supervisor: Denice Bay, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

2^nd (tied)– Danika Harland, The long-term effects of wetland salinization on emergent insect communities
Research Supervisor: Mark Hanson, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

Oral format

1st– Erica Wong, Dach1 promotes basal radial glia proliferation in the developing mouse neocortex
Research Supervisor: Lei Xing, Faculty of Science

Social Sciences and Humanities

Poster format

1st– Kyla Sarmiento, Drawing Privacy: How Children Conceptualize Regulation and Content Across
Research Supervisor: Shaylene Nancekivell, Faculty of Arts

2nd– Charlotte Gill, Exploring geoscience methods for archaeological stone-tool fingerprinting, Oldupai Gorge, Tanzania
Research Supervisor: Paul Durkin, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

3rd– Stella Kraft, Gender Differences in Alcohol Research
Research Supervisor: Natalie Riediger, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Oral format

1st– Justine Ramos, Countering Reductionism: Racial/Ethnic Minority Experiences and Preferences of End of Life Care at Home
Research Supervisor: Laura Funk, Faculty of Arts

2nd– Ainsley Brennan, In the Garden of the Beguines: Reinventing a Medieval Religious Movement in the 21st Century

Research Supervisor: Danielle Dubois, Faculty of Arts

The Undergraduate Research Showcase is hosted annually by the office of the vice-president (research and international). Check the Undergraduate Research Showcase website for entry and prize details.

Porter talks about lifelong learning, how the U of M is making education more accessible for people of all ages, and why heading back to school later in life can be both empowering and transformative.

She also tells Marjorie how the university’s commitment to age-friendly principles is helping to break down barriers and welcome a growing community of older learners.

To listen to the entire conversation, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba Radio Noon.

The AFU Showcase is open to the university community and the public, where you are invited to connect with units from across the university and learn more about their offerings. Registration is not required to attend the AFU Showcase, which will take place in conjunction with the Centre on Aging’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, which will be held on the same day and location.

Why attend the AFU Showcase?

The AFU Showcase is a way for both the UM community and public to connect with one another. Using the AFU principles for inspiration, here are 10 reasons why you should join us!

1. To encourage the participation of older adults
   Whether you’re interested in learning opportunities, being a research participant, or engaging in a variety of activities and events, connect with UM staff to find out about opportunities available to you.
2. Personal and career development
   Interested in learning more about where your future career path can take you? Access resources to update your resume or learn about current job and volunteer opportunities and get recognized for your extracurricular activities through the student Experience Record. Connect with staff from Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre. Those who are current students or have graduated from UM within the last six months can schedule meetings with Career Services and are also able to access online resources and workshops.
3. Range of education needs
   Whether you’re looking to change careers or pursue a graduate degree, staff from the Faculty of Graduate Studies can talk to you about the various graduate programs offered. They can also share information about the Graduate Focus on Aging Concentration.
   Are you in need of support for your learning? Student Accessibility Services can assist students with disabilities to foster future academic success. Connect with them in person to find out how.
4. Intergenerational learning
   There are many opportunities for older adults and younger adults to connect and learn from one another. Whether it’s by auditing a course or attending an arts or cultural event, check out the Events calendar to find out what’s happening on campus.
5. Online educational opportunities
   Whether you’re interested in learning about research through an online webinar or taking a short course, connect with Extended Education staff to learn about their range of learning opportunities both in person and online!
6. Research agenda
   The Centre on Aging has a participant database for those aged 55 years and older who are interested in participating in research studies focused on older adults. Sign up to be contacted about future studies and contribute to aging research.
7. Longevity dividend
   Manitobans are known for their generosity. By 2041, the projected number of those aged 65 to 74 years will be over 140,000 Manitobans, with over 80% of individuals aged 55–74 donating to a charitable organization. Learn how you can make a difference to future generations at the UM by connecting with Planned Giving staff.
8. Health and wellness programs and cultural activities
   No matter which campus you’re on, the Family Resource coordinator (Fort Garry) or Rady Family Centre  (Bannatyne) provide various resources and supports for staff to access on family care topics: child care, older adult care, newcomer supports.
   Visit Recreation Services to learn about their Aging Actively programs and if you haven’t already, take a tour of their facilities during the lunch hour.
9. University’s retired community
   UM staff considering retirement can find out about other considerations they need to know by connecting with the UM Retirement Readiness Peer Network Group or taking the Road to Retirement course on UM Learn.
   For those who will be retiring, speak with a University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA) representative to learn how retirees can stay connected with the UM.
10. Dialogue with organizations representing older adults
    As part of the Centre’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, you can connect with exhibitors who will be available to talk about programs and services they offer in Manitoba to older adults, their caregivers, families, and friends.

For more information

To learn more about Age-Friendly University Showcase participants and initiatives, visit the AFU Hub.

Dr. Stephanie Chesser says recreation is an essential program for long-term care residents.

“Recreation, oftentimes, is overlooked in terms of hiring and how important it is to be appropriately staffed and appropriately resourced, ” says Chesser, an associate professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.

A diverse recreation spread is key to address loneliness, facilitate fun, and maintain participants’ cognitive health and functioning, says Chesser.

Read the full article by the Winnipeg Free Press.

This year’s Symposium will take place:

Wednesday, May 8 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 204 Marshall McLuhan Hall, UMSU University Centre (and online) Fort Garry Campus

Spring Research Symposium presentations:

Aging research brings together a diverse group of researchers and professionals together. Our presenters will put a spotlight on research areas such as the social aspects of aging, age inclusivity, and using technology to support and promote aging in place at home, and more.

As the only research centre focused specifically on aging in the province, the Centre on Aging is bringing together six of their Research Affiliates from the University of Manitoba (UM) and Brandon University, who will present sessions on:

· smart technologies in at-home rehabilitation,

· improving age inclusivity at the University of Manitoba,

· older adults’ roles in Taiwanese Indigenous communities,

· preventing violence in long-term care,

· a framework for adult community rehabilitation, and

· in home companion robots to support wellness.

Between sessions, in person Symposium attendees can learn about current research over the breaks and lunch hour during the poster session. Connect with our poster presenters on the second floor in the multi-purpose room (MPR) in UMSU University Centre.

Exhibitors will also be participating in this year’s Symposium. Find out about the different programs and resources available to older people, caregivers, and their families by stopping by one of the tables and connecting with representatives available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While this year’s Symposium will be hosted in a hybrid format, we encourage you to come in person and meet our researchers, but also connect with your fellow Symposium attendees.

Bringing in an age-friendly university perspective

In addition to the Centre’s regular Symposium events, the Age-Friendly University Showcase will take place in the MPR as a stand-alone event. No registration is required, and you are invited to check out the various tables and meet invited representatives from across the UM who will share information about programs and services open to the public.

In 2016, the University of Manitoba endorsed the 10 Age-Friendly University principles, making it the first Age-Friendly University in Canada to join a global network of post-secondary institutions looking to engage older people and be part of the university’s community. To highlight what the UM has been doing as an Age-friendly University, Centre Director, Dr. Michelle Porter will present, University of Manitoba efforts to improve its age inclusivity, during the morning session of the Symposium.

You might be asking yourself, what is an Age-Friendly University (AFU)? An AFU supports lifelong learning through various educational initiatives, cultural programs, wellness activities and engages older members in a globally aging world.

At the AFU University Showcase taking place May 8 in the UMSU University Centre, you can find a little something for everyone. Whether you are interested in taking courses or furthering your education, participating in active aging classes, supporting the arts and theatre community, or connecting with university alumni, say hello to some of the UM representatives from Extended Education, the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Family Resources, and others. Registration is not required to attend the Showcase.

As Michelle Porter says, “the University of Manitoba provides a treasure trove of opportunities for people of all ages through employment, volunteering for research studies, lifelong learning, engaging in recreational or health and wellness programming, attending cultural or sporting events, or interacting with people from around the world and from different generations.” Come out and

learn more about free tuition for those who are 65 and older, and many other opportunities specifically for older adults at the University of Manitoba.”

Learn more about this year’s Symposium and Age-Friendly University Showcase

For more details on this year’s Symposium program and registration, and to find out more about the Age-Friendly University Showcase, visit the Centre’s website.

Addressing a need in our community

Last year, approximately one in four Canadian adults provided care for someone who had a long-term health condition or a physical or mental disability, according to Statistics Canada. This responsibility can be demanding, and many caregivers rely on others for various types of support.

That is why when William Kops, Professor Emeritus and member of the UM Age-friendly University Committee, learned about the UM Babysitter Directory, he thought a similar resource could benefit UM members who are caregivers for adults. By providing opportunities to arrange casual visitation and companionship, the directory hopes to help both caregivers and the adults receiving care.

“Matching adults in need of companionship with UM students makes perfect sense. In addition to social and emotional support, the Adult Companionship Services Directory fosters inter-generational connections within the UM community,” says Kops.

“This new service shows how the University of Manitoba can make strides as an Age-friendly University by bringing together different units to work collaboratively to improve the lives of students, staff, faculty, and their families,” says Michelle Porter, Director of the Centre for Aging and a collaborator in the development of the ACS directory. “Students can gain volunteer/employment opportunities, and both students and clients can benefit from inter-generational engagement.”

How the directory works

The directory will contain service provider profiles, stating their availability, contact information and any certifications they may have. Clients can choose to list a job opportunity or contact a service provider directly to discuss a service opportunity.

The responsibilities of an Adult Companionship Service Provider are to provide companionship and emotional support and engage in meaningful activities with clients. Companionship services can include a variety of tasks, such as regular check-in visits and phone calls, accompanying clients on outings or appointments, playing cards, fixing light snacks or coffee. It will not include services reserved for professionals, such as lifting, dressing, and feeding.

The ACS Directory is open to UM students, employees, retirees, and their family members. Most listings will be for paid services, however in some instances volunteer services may be available.

“The Adult Companionship Services Directory is part of our continued efforts to build a supportive environment for our UM families,” says Francene Perehinec, Family Resource Coordinator.

Sign up for access to the Adult Companionship Services Directory.

If you are a student passionate about making a difference in the lives of older adults, access the job description here on UM Connect.

For other family care matters, visit the Family Resources webpage.

Registration for the upcoming 2023–2024 academic year is now open for UM students until 4pm on May 19, 2023.

The Centre offers four award programs:

• Jack MacDonell Scholarship for Research on Aging ($4000)
• Esther and Samuel Milmot Scholarship ($1000)
• Centre on Aging Betty Havens Memorial Graduate Fellowship ($2000)
• Barbara Jean Payne Memorial Award in Social Gerontology ($1000)

“One of the major goals of the Centre on Aging is to assist with the training of undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in aging,” says Michelle Porter, director of the Centre on Aging. “By offering several award opportunities, we can help to kickstart the careers of new researchers from a wide variety of aging-related fields who are studying at the University of Manitoba.”

For past Jack MacDonell Scholarship in Aging, t recipient Brontë Vollebregt,a doctoral candidate in the faculty of Applied Health Sciences, and co-lead of Students Targeting Aging Research, the financial award was only one benefit of connecting with the Centre. “Receiving the Jack MacDonell Scholarship for Research on Aging assisted me in pursuing research in aging at the Ph.D. level,” said Brontë. “It connected me with the Center on Aging and other students with similar interests right from the start of my degree, which has been invaluable.”

Additional student support

The Centre on Aging also adjudicates two additional awards on behalf of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Retirees Association.

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba offers two graduate fellowships, valued at $4000 each. The fellowship is offered to encourage graduate student interested in research in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

The University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA) offers a graduate student award, valued at $1000. The purpose of the UMRA scholarship is to reward the academic achievements of graduate students pursuing research focused on human aging that has the potential to enhance the lives of the aging population.

More information on all the awards

To be eligible to apply for awards in the 2023–2024 academic year, students must intend to register full time in the upcoming year for the Fall and Winter terms. Interested students should submit their completed award applications, including supporting documents and transcripts, by May 19 at 4 p.m. Questions about the awards can be directed to Associate Director, Nicole Dunn.

Micro-credentials are short, focused credentials that provide an opportunity to fill in learning gaps or build competencies, says Rod Lastra, Acting Dean, UM Extended Education. “They are an upskilling opportunity, to build on your knowledge and experience. This is one way we are responding to industry needs and the shift to ‘skills-first hiring’. Degrees are still valued but employers also want potential employees to show them what they can do. Micro-credentials like these micro-certificates can play an important role, complement a degree, be stand-alone and provide employers with what they are looking for.”

Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions

The Micro-Certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions is for anyone looking to understand the possibilities of AI and Machine Learning and what they can do for their business or organization, and for their career.

For a limited time, students can register for all three courses to earn this convenient and compact credential for one special introductory price. They will complete the program in just 16 weeks.

When many people think of Artificial Intelligence, they think of that scary robot assassin in the Terminator movie. But don’t be afraid, says Briana Brownell, content provider for the Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions micro-certificate program. AI is good for every industry and savvy professionals must be aware of the technologies and how they can determine effective solutions to their most important business challenges like retaining customers, making better products, reducing risk, marketing effectively, innovating and leading in their marketplace. The power lies in AI’s ability to quickly analyze large volumes of data, enabling complex pattern recognition, predictions and powerful decision-making capabilities.

“This is mission critical for most industries now. There is a push to have technology infrastructure, the ability to collect and analyze data quickly, and to create solutions,” says the founder and CEO of Pure Strategy Inc. noting examples of AI and Machine Learning in action are all around us providing us with relevant data from Netflix recommendations to Facebook news, and even auto-correcting us on our phones.

“One of the biggest challenges in any business is to understand the possibilities of AI and Machine Learning and how to use them in order to achieve what the organization most needs to do. It’s not about AI for its own sake. This program provides a basic understanding of what’s possible and how you can apply it,” says Brownell. “AI is such an effective and useful area for business.”

For alumni, professionals and graduate students
It’s designed for professionals who have some experience in the business world, to provide them with relevant, real-world AI and Machine Learning applications. It will also complement the studies of graduate students and IT professionals alike by providing them with additional practical experience with real-world data and problems.

Brownell’s courses, “Machine Learning Algorithms and Frameworks” and “Developing Machine Learning Solutions”, will incorporate examples and case studies featuring a variety of data including customer information, music, images, and photos. “It’s not just numbers and financial data. This applies in every type of industry.”

The courses will also have an important discussion of AI ethics including big questions like how to manage its privacy implications. “These are important conversations for everyone in every business or organization. It’s not just the responsibility of tech or governance. We want people to think about the implications and be involved in the conversations.”

With AI and Machine Learning, “It’s all about the data,” says Arooj Ahmed Qureshi, content provider for the “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning” course.

“There is no magic. The processing is too complex for the human mind to understand so we train AI to make decisions. We need to understand the steps. We need the tools. We need to do this responsibly. That’s what this program is all about,” says the data scientist at EnPowered.

For IT professionals and aspiring CTOs
For this program, you don’t need to be a computer programmer to understand the industry, how to make a product, and how to keep a check on it. But experienced IT professionals who are usually focused on coding can also benefit from this program because it offers them the bigger picture of the industry. For those who would like to position themselves as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) in their firm, says Qureshi, she would especially recommend the first course. “It gives you the overall picture to add to your coding. That puts you in a strong position, providing you with good insights on the industry.”

As a busy data analyst with over a decade of experience, even Qureshi learned something new from creating this course. In the process, she finally realized why a previous AI Machine Learning project of hers was destined to fail. Medical privacy laws would never allow it.

“You just can’t make everything you can imagine,” Qureshi says. “You need to be responsible for what you design. You may have a great idea and good technical skills but you need to understand the rules and regulations that govern an industry and technology as well.”

Understanding “Responsible AI” or how to operate within privacy and other laws that apply to such technology, is also an important part of this program.

“I realized a lot by doing this content. Even as a working professional, you don’t always get time to look into things in so much detail. This also gave me a good insight and good perspective… Extended Education programs are created with industry people. It’s important to make this connection with the real world and prior experience or knowledge. This is very good.”

Artificial Intelligence is the backbone of all advances in technology, says Cuneyt Akcora, program consultant from the Faculty of Science. Over time, any intelligent developments in computer science are AI-related. If you want to use them, you need to know the basics.

A new kind of literacy
“I see it as an important new kind of literacy. If you don’t understand AI and Machine Learning, others have an advantage over you. You don’t need to program but you need to understand,” says the professor of computer science and statistics.

“Machine learning is the intersection between computer science, statistics and mathematics. It can be applied to anything, in any company with a lot of data like readings or photos, to clearly predict results. If you have data in a system, if you work in a company, it is good to have an overview of algorithms needed. Automation is becoming even better. These are easy things to do.”

For example, a farmer may want to reduce the use of chemicals in farm operations so they would need to know which data and algorithms to use and then the robots can lead. Or, if you work for a bank, AI is used to assess credit applications. The algorithms automatically deny some applicants and approve others. Or if you work in human resources, algorithms on job search websites narrow down applications for specific jobs. You need to know how they are figuring this out.

“Understanding AI will help you and your company in most of the jobs today,” says Akcora.

“I very much like the practical aspects of this program. It is not coding, and not using data searches. Coding is often automated these days. It is about understanding the decisions made by AI, understanding the main direction, where to focus, the tools needed to know. It is a very nice view of this.”

Facilitating Older Adult Learning

Older adults want to keep learning, contribute to society, and find meaning in their lives. For those who work with them in every capacity, including university instructors who welcome older students to their undergraduate and graduate classes, there is a now a convenient and compact credential to help you to help them to continue their lifelong learning.

The Micro-Certificate in Facilitating Older Adult Learning was funded by the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba in its development. For a limited time, students can register for all three courses to earn this credential for one special introductory price. They will complete the program in just 12 weeks.

Knowledge and skills in a short time
“It’s not a whole degree. In a short time, you get a lot of knowledge and skills,” says Michelle Porter, Director, the Centre on Aging, noting the program could be beneficial for anyone who works with older adults.

“People are living longer and living well. I encourage everyone to think about older adults as part of the lifelong learning continuum. You may not have always aspired to work with older people, but then you do. You may not have the tools to do that.” Or maybe you would just like to learn more, she says.

With Facilitating Older Adult Learning, students will learn how aging affects learning by looking at the developmental lifespan. They will also learn to design and provide learning experiences for older adults, and to use appropriate learning technologies to do so.

Work more effectively with older adults
This is a micro-certificate for anyone who works with older adults, sometimes or all of the time. It’s for health care professionals and those who work in seniors’ organizations. It’s for teachers, instructors and educators. Potential students may volunteer, or work with them in other capacities like as a consultant working in banking and financial services.

For example, while the university is often focused on traditional age students, university instructors can find a diversity of ages in the classroom. They may not be used to having older students and like many people, may hold some misconceptions about older adults and their ability to learn.

Unfortunately, a lot of agism still exists, says Porter. People still often talk about providing care for older adults rather than supporting their need for autonomy and their desire to continue their lifelong learning. “Older adults may still be working. We are seeing more of that, so human resources and training professionals will work with them. Older adults may want to upgrade their education and skills. They want to learn. They want to find meaning in their lives. They are a great addition to any classroom, and we want them to feel welcome.”

Age-friendly
Older students do pursue degrees and audit courses and UM is an Age-Friendly University, trying to make the university a better place for people of all ages. “Older adults bring something to the university classroom, for intergenerational learning. Many didn’t get degrees when they were younger for many reasons.” 

There are still some unfortunate stereotypes that linger, but “most older people have skills for learning. They can be highly articulate and can achieve benefits from being involved in educational programs. Lifelong learning is important for all of us as we age. And we are all aging.”

UMextended.ca/programs

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press

The Micro-Certificate in Facilitating Older Adult Learning is a micro-certificate offered by Extended Education and funded by the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba in its development. 

Knowledge and skills in a short time
“It’s not a whole degree. In a short time, you get a lot of knowledge and skills,” says Michelle Porter, Director, the Centre on Aging, noting the program could be beneficial for anyone who works with older adults.

“People are living longer and living well. I encourage everyone to think about older adults as part of the lifelong learning continuum. You may not have always aspired to work with older people, but then you do. You may not have the tools to do that.” Or maybe you would just like to learn more, she says.

With Facilitating Older Adult Learning, students will learn how aging affects learning by looking at the developmental lifespan. They will also learn to design and provide learning experiences for older adults, and to use appropriate learning technologies to do so.

Work more effectively with older adults
This is a micro-certificate for anyone who works with older adults, sometimes or all of the time. It’s for health care professionals and those who work in seniors’ organizations. It’s for teachers, instructors and educators. Potential students may volunteer, or work with them in other capacities like as a consultant working in banking and financial services.

For example, while the university is often focused on traditional age students, university instructors can find a diversity of ages in the classroom. They may not be used to having older students and like many people, may hold some misconceptions about older adults and their ability to learn. 

Unfortunately, a lot of agism still exists, says Porter. People still often talk about providing care for older adults rather than supporting their need for autonomy and their desire to continue their lifelong learning. “Older adults may still be working. We are seeing more of that, so human resources and training professionals will work with them. Older adults may want to upgrade their education and skills. They want to learn. They want to find meaning in their lives. They are a great addition to any classroom, and we want them to feel welcome.”

Age-friendly
Older students do pursue degrees and audit courses and UM is an Age-Friendly University, trying to make the university a better place for people of all ages. “Older adults bring something to the university classroom, for intergenerational learning. Many didn’t get degrees when they were younger for many reasons.” 

Yet, there are still some unfortunate stereotypes that linger, but “most older people have skills for learning. They can be highly articulate and can achieve benefits from being involved in educational programs. Lifelong learning is important for all of us as we age. And we are all aging.”

Learn more about the Micro-Certificate in Facilitating Older Adult Learning