Trent University Launching Master’s in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies This Fall

Trent University is launching a new two-year Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies for September 2023 announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The program features first-hand experience supporting aging populations and contributing to community organizations according to Trent. It prepares students for careers in public and non-profit sectors, as well as managerial-level positions in institutions and community organizations that support older adults.

Students will develop skills in the critical analysis of contemporary aging issues and learn practical approaches to aging-related challenges across different contexts, ranging from individual experiences of aging to the societal complexities of aging populations.

“This new program is a natural outcome of the 12-plus years of research and community-building momentum generated by Trent Centre for Aging and Society,” said Dr. Elizabeth Russell, director of the Trent Centre for Aging and Society (TCAS) and the new M.A. in Interdisciplinary Aging program. “We are excited to have a new program for graduate students interested in studying aging from perspectives across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Communities all over Canada are aging—we’re all aging—and so we must deepen our understanding of the realities of growing older and challenge entrenched ideas about older adults.”

The program gives students the chance to create meaningful relationships with older adults, contribute to community organizations and get first-hand experience supporting aging populations as stated in a press release. They will also conduct interdisciplinary research through TCAS—where faculty, students, staff and community stakeholders build meaningful dialogue about aging, old age and older people. 

The forthcoming development of a University-Integrated Seniors Village on Trent University lands, anchored by a long-term care home, will further add to the academic and research expertise at TCAS and Trent more broadly, and benefit future M.A. students by providing unique hands-on learning and research opportunities while supporting older people in the Peterborough area.

Applications are due by March 1 in order to study this fall.

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