Want to better understand how the health and social systems work and how you can better advocate for changes that would improve these systems for you and your family? Enhance your knowledge with one of our free courses for citizens:
Finding and using research evidence: A guide for citizens
In this free online course, you’ll be provided with solutions to overcome the most commonly cited frustrations people have when trying to access research evidence. Prepared by the McMaster Health Forum with support from the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit, the course is now available online as a set of eight videos:
Here are helpful resources that are drawn on in the course:
- Definitions for word and phrases used in the modules
- How to make sure health information is trustworthy
- Links to online sources mentioned in the modules
Don’t miss the most important resource for citizen-targeted evidence about healthy aging:
Understanding how to navigate the health system
Knowing how your health system works will better you to navigate the system, identify opportunities to make things better, and advocate for changes that you’d like to see. This free online course describes the 'building blocks' of Ontario’s health system as well as how those building blocks are used to provide care in the province in different ways (e.g., by sector, condition, treatment, population). While Ontario is the example, these principles are useful to understanding health systems other jurisdictions in Canada and internationally.
Prepared by the McMaster Health Forum with support from the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit, the course is now available online as a set of six videos:
Here are helpful resources that are drawn on in the course:
- Free download of chapters from Ontario’s Health System: Key Insights for Engaged Citizens, Professional and Policymakers. The Ontario book is also helpful in understanding other health systems
Don’t miss the most important resource for citizen-targeted evidence about healthy aging:
Masterclass on patient-oriented research
The Forum’s masterclass was designed to prepare future champions for the conduct and use of patient-oriented research and future mentors to others becoming involved in the conduct and use of patient-oriented research. While we are not currently planning any sessions for the masterclass on patient-oriented research, you can access all of the course material to learn more about patient-oriented research.
Mental Health Matters: Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults
The McMaster Health Forum, with support from the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative, recently hosted a public talk with Michael Landsberg (former host of TSN’s Off The Record and well-known mental health advocate) and Dr. Doug Oliver (a family physician with a passion for supporting the physical and mental health of older adults) to engage in an open discussion on depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges facing older adults.
>> Watch the highlights from our public talk:
An estimated one in ten Canadian adults will experience major depression in their lives. For seniors in assisted living facilities, the rate of anxiety and depression increases significantly. The social stigma around mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment, but to acceptance in the community.
Michael Landsberg and Dr. Oliver delivered an engaging talk and encouraged anyone with depression not to be ashamed, but instead to ask for help. Depression is not a normal part of aging. It’s an illness, not a weakness, for which there are many effective treatment options.
The recording of this public talk is now available on our YouTube channel. Recordings from other events in the optimal aging series are also available.
- McMaster Forum
