CIHR-IA Summer Program in Aging 2026
Impact of Climate Change on the Health of Older Persons
The 2026 CIHR Institute of Aging's Summer Program on Aging (SPA), themed "Impact of Climate Change on the Health of Older Persons," took place from June 1 to 5 at the Manoir d'Youville in Châteauguay, located near Montreal, Quebec.
Forty-two CIHR trainees, 13 speakers, 8 project partners, 8 members of various SPA 2026 organizing committees, 6 mentors and 6 volunteers gathered at this historic site near a stunning wildlife reserve. The event also served as an opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this CIHR summer program, which is unique in the country.
Upon their arrival at this awe-inspiring destination, participants were able to explore Île Saint-Bernard. It was here that Marguerite d'Youville established a monastery in the 18th century (which has since been converted into a hotel) to cultivate the land and provide food for the patients at the Montreal General Hospital. All participants also got to visit the remarkable Marguerite d'Youville Wildlife Reserve, a haven of peace and rich biodiversity. This year's theme of "aging and climate change" was perfectly suited to this location for the 20th SPA, as it allowed us to address this timely topic.
Other highlights of SPA 2026 include the wide variety of learning activities offered to trainees both in terms of format and content, as well as outdoor activities in a preserved and unique natural setting, and the high-quality presentations in French or English throughout the week, including those given during the 20th anniversary celebrations and those prepared by trainees with the support of their mentors.
Notable achievements of SPA 2026 include the strong bonds formed among trainees from the beginning, the program's welcoming, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere, and the perfect weather throughout the week, enabling all outdoor activities to be carried out seamlessly. As for outcomes, it is hoped that the networking, learning, and skills developed during this SPA, which aims to enhance research capacity in Canada on this topic, will serve as a pivotal moment in the professional journeys of the trainees from diverse Canadian regions who participated.
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