Mohamed El-Hussein named as AgeCare Research Chair in Aging

Mohamed El-Hussein has been named as the AgeCare Research Chair in Aging for Mount Royal’s Centre for Health and Innovation in Aging (CHIA). He joins the CHIA with international expertise rooted in gerontology and cardiology and brings a commitment to advancing research and practice in aging and continuing care. El-Hussein, a professor in the Faculty of Health, Community, and Education’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, will serve as chair for a three-year term.

“Through rigorous evidence, meaningful collaboration, and forward-thinking innovation, we can reimagine aging, not as a decline to be feared, but as a phase of life defined by strength, connection and untapped potential,” he says.

AgeCare, a trusted provider of aging-in-place communities for older people across Canada, announced funding for the new chair position in October of 2024.

“AgeCare’s funding of the Mount Royal University Research Chair in Aging is a decision in line with our ethos of continuous education and service to the community. This position will contribute knowledge and thought leadership not only to AgeCare, but to the Assisted Living sector as a whole, benefiting residents, families and staff across Canada," says Salimah Walji-Shivji, KC, AgeCare CEO.

"We congratulate Dr. El-Hussein on this position and are excited to commence this ground-breaking work.”

El-Hussein will work alongside Jocelyn Rempel, RN,MN, chair in Older Adult Health. Together they will research the many aspects of aging to develop innovative tech solutions that improve the quality of life of older adults in addition to advocating, educating and collaborating on senior care issues.

“I’m thrilled to have Dr. El Hussein's support for the Centre for Health and Innovation in Aging. His commitment to research will deepen our understanding of aging and accelerate the development of innovative solutions,” Rempel says. “His involvement strengthens the impactful work already underway and amplifies our shared vision to transform aging through knowledge, innovation and community collaboration.“

Part of that collaborative effort will come through a close working relationship with AgeCare and a broad spectrum of community partners to identify and address pressing, real-world challenges faced by aging Canadians.

The chair has developed a three-year plan that prioritizes meaningful engagement, relationship building and knowledge sharing. The plan outlines many ways in which the research chair will engage with the community including through the AgeCare Visiting Scholar Program.

Through this program, El-Hussein will bring a national or international expert to MRU and the CHIA for a term of three to six months to help with research and ongoing initiatives.

In addition, El-Hussein will launch AgeCare seed grants to initiate collaborative research projects. Not only will this bolster the CHIA’s research, but it will also provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to faculty and students.

“Thanks to the generous support from AgeCare, we are excited to see how Dr. El-Hussein will continue to advance the important work already underway at the Centre. At Mount Royal, we are committed to caring for our communities, and as our research and knowledge initiatives grow, the Centre plays a vital role in shaping meaningful, evidence-informed solutions for an aging population,” says MRU president and vice-chancellor Dr. Tim Rahilly, PhD.