Aging and Later Life

As we enter the Aging and Later Life unit, featuring two prominent wings—HECOL 100 and HECOL 415—our journey continues to align with my overarching mission of supporting individuals, families, and communities through collaborative education for holistic well-being and social equity. 

In structuring this ePortfolio, I intentionally separated Family Care from the Aging and Later Life unit. Yet, through my human ecological lens, I recognize the intricate interconnections between these units. This choice underscores the nuanced relationships within caregiving across the lifespan, reflecting my commitment to holistic well-being and social equity.

In my HECOL 100 project, "An Ecological Consideration of Older Visible Ethnic Minority Immigrants’ Access to Health Services in Canada," we delve into the healthcare landscape for older visible ethnic minority immigrants. This exploration not only addresses the specific challenges faced by this demographic but also aligns with my mission to collaboratively educate and advocate for the holistic well-being of diverse communities, ensuring equitable access to health services.

Adjacent to this, in HECOL 415, my paper titled "Not an Extraordinary Act”: Chosen Families as Informal Caregivers for Older Sexual- and Gender-Minority Adults" unfolds. Within this caregiving narrative, we examine the unique challenges and strengths of chosen families caring for older sexual- and gender-minority adults. This research contributes to my commitment to collaborative education by shedding light on often-overlooked aspects of care, fostering holistic well-being within the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, and advancing social equity in aging.

As we navigate the corridors of aging and later life, each project serves as a beacon in my mission to create informed, sustainable spaces that support well-being and equity for individuals, families, and communities. Join me in this ongoing exploration as we strive to make a meaningful impact on the journey of aging with a focus on collaborative education and advocacy for social equity.