The genus for a Nova Scotia Centre on Aging (NSCA) originated in the mid to late 80s by Dr. Fred MacKinnon, then head of the Nova Scotia Seniors’ Secretariat. The Centre was to be a place in which university resources and expertise, without becoming totally academically oriented, would be best used to develop sound social policies to address the aging population. This implied a program in which research and the day to day needs of the aging community would be balanced.
The NSCA found its home at Mount Saint Vincent University because of the University’s commitment to education and research on issues in aging through its Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Professional Studies. On April 14, 1992 the NSCA officially opened at Mount Saint Vincent University with a three-part mandate of research, education, and community consultation. Dr. Mary O’Brien, Associate Professor, Department of Gerontology, was appointed as the Centre’s first Director and the first Advisory Board of professionals, business people, and retired persons was established.
| Significant Dates/Milestones | ||
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1992-93 |
Extensive community consultation undertaken throughout province helped to implement NSCA mandate. | |
| 1992 | Caregiver Resource Library established with support from Merck Frosst. | Resources accessible throughout province! |
| 1995 | “From Policy to People” project launched with funding from Max Bell Foundation. | |
| 1996 | Dr. F.R. MacKinnon Endowment Fund was established to support the mission of the NSCA. Dr. MacKinnon passed away in 2006, but his endowment supports activities of the Centre. | |
| 1996 | “Preparing for Change” project launched. | NSCA goes national! |
| 1999 | “Technology and Older Adults” project initiated. | |
| 2004 | NSCA Advisory Board organized a Tribute Dinner for Dr. MacKinnon raising more than $8000 for Endowment Fund. | |
| 2006-07 | “China-Canada Collaboration” project underway with delegates from China at MSVU for working meeting. | NSCA goes international! |
| 2006 | Dr. Janice Keefe appointed as first Lena Isabel Jodrey Chair in Gerontology and Director of Nova Scotia Centre on Aging. | |
| 2006 | MSVU hosted community reception to celebrate renewal of NSCA. | |
| 2007 | “Dialogue Amoung Partners” workshop held in recognition of 15 years of NSCA making research accessible to community. | Celebrates 15 years! |
| 2012 | Our Future is Aging Conference, Dinner and Student Essay Contest held in recognition of 20th Anniversary Celebrations. | Celebrates 20 years! |
| 2012 | Released commemorative report highlighting the Centre’s accomplishments |
20th Anniversary Brochure |
| 2012 | Started a Facebook Page and joined Social Media | |
| 2012 | Held the first Café Scientifiqué | |
| 2015 | Moved to the new Margaret Norrie McCain Building on Campus. | A new home! |
| 2016 | Dr. Janice Keefe reappointed as Lena Isabel Jodrey Chair in Gerontology and Director of Nova Scotia Centre on Aging |
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| 2016 | The second Our Future is Aging Conference held |
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| 2016 | NSCA and Department of Family Studies and Gerontology welcome Dr. Zachary Zimmer as MSVU Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in in Global Aging and Community | |
| 2017 | Dinner, Student essay, community presentations, social media campaign and Art Exhibit held in recognition of 25th Anniversary celebrations. |
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| 2017 | Recipient of the Global Ageing Network for Excellence in Applied Research Award |
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| 2017 | Our Future is Aging Conference in recognition of the NSCA’s 25th Anniversary |
Celebrates 25 Years! |
| 2018 | NSCA hosts TEDxMSVU Aging Well event |
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