Graduate Summer School – Beyond the Body: Recasting Aging

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From July 3 to 10 ACT collaborator engAGE: Concordia University’s Centre for Research on Aging will host its first intensive and experiential international graduate summer school. The title of the summer school is Beyond the Body: Recasting Aging.

Keynote speakers include Toni Calasanti (Virginia Tech), Paula Negron (Université de Montréal), Ros Jennings (University of Gloucestershire), Erin Lamb (Hiram College) and Barbara Marshall (Trent University). A small number of fellowships are available for international students who need financial assistance to attend the summer school. Visit the summer school website to learn more about the course outline and application process. The application deadline is April 15.

Questions can be directed at engage@concordia.ca

New Research Grant on Intelligent Personal Assistants

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Galit Nimrod and Yael Edan of Ben Gurion University of the Negev were awarded a research grant from the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology to study processes of assimilation of Intelligent Personal Assistants (IPAs) among older users. IPAs combine features of both service and companion robots, and have great potential to promote subjective wellbeing in old age. Applying the holistic approach to the study of human-robot interaction in later life, Nimrod and Edan will explore the extent to which IPAs indeed promote wellbeing in later life, the factors that constrain or alleviate processes of assimilation of IPAs, and whether processes of assimilation and contribution to wellbeing vary upon IPA’s type.

The study will combine knowledge and methods from both the social sciences and industrial engineering. Sixty community-dwelling individuals aged 75 years and over will be recruited and given an IPA for a period of three months. During this time, qualitative and quantitative measures will be used to assess use patterns, the outcomes resulting thereof and factors that constrain use. Results are expected to promote the existing body of knowledge regarding processes of assimilation of new technologies among older adults. In addition, the findings will be used to create a toolbox for technology developers and designers, that will guide adaption of existing technology to older people’ needs as well as development of designated technologies for the global aging population.

Research assistantships at Concordia University

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ACT and engAGE are looking to a number graduate students as part of the organization of B/OLD: Aging in our city. We are looking specifically for people with experience in one or more of the following areas.

Event coordination: Ability to assist in event organization. Experience organizing events at Concordia and bilingualism are assets.

Facilitation: Experience facilitating workshops with small groups and interest in working with the public. Strong interpersonal communication skills and bilingualism are required.

Knowledge dissemination: Ability to develop digital content, including video, audio and photography. Strong English writing skills. Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to conduct interviews are needed. Bilingualism is an asset.

Salaries are commensurate with TRAC rates. Contracts range from 5 to 10 weekly hours, with increased workload as we get closer to the event (May 16-17). Interested candidates should send a brief cover letter and a CV to me (constance.lafontaine@concordia.ca) at their earliest convenience.

Job opening: Communication coordinator

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***Thank you to all applicants, this position has been filled***

 

Ageing + Communication + Technologies (ACT) is an international research project based at Concordia University, examining the transformation of the experiences of ageing with the proliferation of new forms of mediated communications in networked societies. ACT works with over 30 partners internationally, and works closely with community organizations in Montreal. In addition, we are currently co-organizing a major event in May 2019 called B/OLD: Aging in our city.

We are seeking a self-driven and dynamic communication professional to undertake major components of the outreach, communication and knowledge mobilization for both the B/OLD event and the ACT project.

 20 hours a week, limited term contract (4 months)
Salary: $25-$28/hour, depending on experience

 Main tasks

  • Make recommendations to B/OLD organization committee or ACT management about communication priorities and opportunities.
  • Implement all components of external and internal communication plan for B/OLD, including media relations and community outreach.
  • Working with a team that includes a translator and designer, coordinate the production of digital and print communication materials in both French and English.
  • Develop content, a newsletter, and manage web and social media presence.
  • Assist in miscellaneous tasks as needed, including administrative tasks.

Competencies and skills

  • Excellent ability to communicate in English and strong writing skills. The ability to understand, speak and write in French is a strong asset for this position.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office, MailChimp and WordPress. Experience in graphic design and sound and video editing is an asset.
  • Ability to quickly integrate a new work environment, to independently acquire new skills and to work within a team.
  • Availability to work flexible hours, with an increased workload in April and May 2019.
  • An interest in age/aging, community engagement, and digital technologies is an asset.

Please send cover letter and CV to Constance Lafontaine (constance.lafontaine@concordia.ca).