About the Conference
The objective of the conference is to provide information that will enable our society to bounce back from the adversities that have been faced over recent years by taking advantage of what we have learned and applying this knowledge to enhance the lives of older people, especially those who have faced ageism, marginalization, and social isolation.
Continuing Education Credits
A Certificate of Attendance, indicating that the Friesen Conference is a 15-hour educational offering specific to the needs of older adults, will be available for Social Workers to put towards their continued professional development and for Registered Nurses wanting documentation to support their provincial/state continuing competency requirement. To obtain your certificate, e-mail gerocom@sfu.ca within 30 days of the end of the conference.
Organizing Committee
- Andrew Wister | Director, SFU-GRC & Distinguished Professor, Department of Gerontology (Conference Chair)
- Gloria Gutman | Research Associate, SFU-GRC & Professor Emeritus, SFU Department of Gerontology (Conference Co-Chair & Manager)
- Atiya Mahmood | Professor & Graduate Program Chair, SFU Department of Gerontology
- Mei Fang | Assistant Professor, SFU Urban Studies and Department of Gerontology
- Laura Kadowaki | Specialist, Research & Knowledge Mobilization, Government Relations & Government 尤物视频, United Way British Columbia
- Anthony Kupferschmidt | Strategic Lead, Aging and Older Persons, City of Vancouver
- Sarah Qiu | Communications Coordinator, Alumni Outreach & Community
Keynote Speakers
Tine Buffel
Tine Buffel is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) and Professor of Sociology and Social Gerontology at the University of Manchester, where she is the founding director of the . She has published widely in the field of ageing, addressing social and environmental issues affecting ageing populations, with a particular focus on inequality, exclusion, and spatial and social justice. Renowned for her participatory and co-production methodologies, she collaborates with older people, local authorities, and community groups to study and develop age-friendly communities.
Presentation Title: Reimagining Age-Friendly Communities: International Perspectives on Research, Policy and Practice
Isobel MacKenzie
Isobel Mackenzie served as Seniors Advocate for the Province of British Columbia in 2014-2024. As a statutory officer of government, Isobel was responsible for monitoring services to seniors and released over 30 public reports that prompted changes to legislation, regulations and policy across a wide spectrum of seniors鈥� programs.
As a recognized national authority on issues related to seniors, Isobel has served as a national media spokesperson and addressed over 100 professional conferences and symposia on topics related to seniors, aging and the health care system.
Prior to her appointment as the Seniors Advocate, Isobel served as the CEO of B.C.鈥檚 largest Not-for-Profit serving over 6000 seniors annually in housing, home care and long-term care. Currently, Isobel is a faculty member at 尤物视频鈥檚 department of Gerontology, is Chair of the HSO Technical Committee to establish national homecare standards and serves on the Diabetes Canada Mission Committee.
Presentation Title: The Wants and Needs of B.C. Seniors and the Role of Advocacy鈥 Reflection
Public Lecture
Anthony Kupferschmidt
Anthony Kupferschmidt is a Certified Professional Gerontologist and the Strategic Lead, Aging and Older Persons with the City of Vancouver. In this role, he leads policy, planning and strategy for the aging population and works collaboratively across departments and with community partners and other levels of government to help make Vancouver a more age-inclusive city.
Anthony completed the MA in Gerontology through SFU and has been working in the field of aging for his entire career, including in seniors' centres, care homes, adult day programs, hospitals and research settings. He previously worked with the City of Richmond, the Alzheimer Society of B.C., and as Executive Director with the West End Seniors' Network in Vancouver and the Langley Senior Resources Society.
Presentation Title: Age-Equitable Vancouver
Pre, Post and Concurrent Conference Events
June 1-3, 2025
BC Care Providers Association 48th Annual Conference, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC. Theme "Changes鈥� ().
June 5-6, 2025
32nd John K. Friesen Conference, Segal Centre, SFU Harbour Centre Campus, Vancouver, BC. Theme "Research, Practice and Policy to Enhance Community-based Services" (/grc/events/friesen/2025.html).
June 19-20, 2025
Providence Health Care West Coast Conference on Aging, Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver, BC. Theme "Wellness, Strength, and Vitality in Aging" ().