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Covid-19 and Priorities for Research in Aging
R J Rylett1, Flamine Alary2, Joanne Goldberg2
1Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario.
Canadian Journal on Aging = La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement
|September 3, 2020
Summary
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Aging identified key research priorities for COVID-19 impacts on older adults. These include disease response, mental health, care environments, and cross-cutting themes like equity and digital health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older adults, necessitating targeted research.
- Understanding the pandemic's multifaceted impact on this demographic is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline priority research areas concerning the impact of COVID-19 on older adults.
- To guide research funding and initiatives by the CIHR Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA).
Main Methods:
- The CIHR Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA) employed an iterative process to identify research priorities.
- Consultation and synthesis of expert input informed the identification of key and cross-cutting themes.
Main Results:
- Three key research priority areas were identified: disease response (vaccination, therapeutics), mental health and isolation, and supportive care environments.
- Four cross-cutting thematic areas were identified: equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); ethical/moral considerations; evidence-informed practices; and digital health technologies.
Conclusions:
- The identified priorities will direct CIHR-IA's strategic response to COVID-19 research needs in older populations.
- A comprehensive research agenda is essential to address the complex challenges faced by older adults during and after the pandemic.
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