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Shannex has donated $2 million to Dalhousie University, making a significant contribution to healthy aging research.
Pictured from left: Jason Shannon (President of Shannex), Brenda Merritt (Dean of the School of Health Sciences), Christian Bruin (Acting Dean of the School of Computer Science), and Joseph Shannon (Founder of Shannex)
What factors contribute to improved health outcomes among older adults? Dalhousie University aims to find out, thanks to a groundbreaking $2 million gift from Shannex.
The family-owned organization, a leader in long-term care and residential care, announced the donation May 27 as part of a $3 million investment it is making to support healthy aging research in Atlantic Canada.
At Dalhousie University, Shannex's gift will support the creation of the Shannex Chair of Research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Healthy Aging. In collaboration with Dalhousie's School of Health and School of Computer Science, the chair will develop predictive models to improve the safety and health of older adults. It will also leverage available data to identify and propose other proactive strategies to strengthen long-term care systems and improve health outcomes.
We will also support the establishment of the Shannex Research Lab on AI and Healthy Aging, co-located with Dalhousie University's Healthy Aging Research Hub, to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and research to better understand older adults' health, the progression of frailty, and how to prevent and improve frailty.
“We are pleased to partner with Shannex on this important research professorship in AI and healthy aging,” said Dr. Kim Brooks, president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie University. “The professorship will harness the power and potential of artificial intelligence to contribute to supporting the health and well-being of older adults. This announcement also lays the foundation for future collaborations with provinces and other health organizations.”
Bold Step Forward
Dr. Brenda Merritt, dean of the School of Health, says the chair marks a bold step in health innovation. Dr. Merritt says the chair will leverage Dalhousie's research base and expertise to support low-cost assessments and interventions that can be scaled in community, clinic and long-term care settings. It will also bring together leaders from academia and industry to find ways to support healthy aging across the lifespan.
“Shannex strives to provide the best possible care for our residents, and Dal is training health care workers, conducting research and developing resources to enhance that care,” said Dr. Merritt. “This is an exciting opportunity to work together to find ways to help people stay healthy as they age. We appreciate Shannex's support and their commitment to improving the lives of those who live and work in the communities we serve.”
Improving safety and health for the elderly
This announcement is timely: more than 22 per cent of the territory's population is aged 65 or older, higher than any other region in the country. This percentage is expected to increase further in the coming years, creating unique health challenges for both Atlantic Canada and the world.
“People are living longer,” says Shannex President Jason Shannon. “The idea of retiring at a certain age is outdated. Shannex is all about living a long, healthy, active and contributing life. We're challenging ourselves and our partners to work together to create a longevity society — one that's inclusive and focused on the opportunities of this brave new reality.”
Dr. Christian Bruin, acting dean of the School of Computer Science, believes the chair and lab will foster a more interdisciplinary approach to healthy aging, which is essential to solving complex societal and health challenges.
“The Shannex Chair will adopt a data-driven approach to optimise care delivery, enhance resident experience and drive sustained improvement in the long-term care sector,” Dr Bruin said.
“Investments like this from industry partners are critical to advancing targeted applied research, and I want to thank Shannex for their leadership in this important step in building Nova Scotia's capacity to leverage the power of AI in health care.”
