Research
Research in the Department of Health, Aging & Society examines a wide range of issues and topics related to the social study of health and aging. We bring a critical perspective to our research.
This perspective includes questioning and sometimes challenging the dominant models of thinking and acting in health policy and practice, giving voice to people and subjects that are neglected or marginalized, involving communities as partners in research, drawing on social theory to frame and inform studies, and being open to using all kinds of academic methodologies. All of our faculty members are critical social scientists.
Ongoing Research Projects
Health Services Priority Setting Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic Learn More
This research examines how lessons learned from health services priority setting during the COVID-19 pandemic are being integrated into routine practices, focusing on the experiences of healthcare workers.
Economic and Health Resilience of Adolescent Miners in Ghana and Uganda Learn More
Exploring the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent miners in Ghana and Uganda, this project aims to enhance their resilience through targeted interventions.
PAWSing Student Stress Learn More
Therapy dogs offer university students love and support. They could be used to help combat growing mental health concerns in university, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, especially during exam time.
A New Way of Understanding Wellbeing Learn More
Through non-representational theory, wellbeing is understood as an immediate, less-than-fully conscious, physio-environmental process that emerges as we move through the world.
Research Institutes & Centres
Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging Learn More
The Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging seeks to improve all aspects of the lives of older adults in the community and in long-term care by linking research, education, policy and practice with local, national and global initiatives.
The Collaboratory for Research on Urban Neighbourhoods, Community Health and Housing (CRUNCH) Learn More
CRUNCH is dedicated to examining the complex interactions between housing, neighbourhoods, and health.
McMaster Institute for Health Equity (MIHE) Learn More
MIHE brings together McMaster researchers across many disciplines to produce and mobilize knowledge on issues that affect health equity. Our current areas of focus are housing, income security and health, and racism in healthcare.
McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI) Learn More
The overarching priority of MIRI is to foster research excellence and best practices for all Indigenous related research across McMaster.
McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) Learn More
MIRA is a cross-faculty research institute dedicated to advancing the science of aging.