Knowledge in Action Seminar Series 2026

Bringing UBC-O’s Embrace Aging month to a close, this feature event brings together clinical and research experts to explore how older adults can maintain wellbeing, function, and quality of life throughout the cancer journey. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Lauren Capozzi, followed by an expert panel with Dr. Flavia DeAngelis, Bonnie Leung, and Dr. Capozzi, facilitated by Dr. Kristen Haase. Together, they will discuss practical, evidence-based strategies to support resilience, recovery, and healthy aging before, during, and after cancer treatment.

What You’ll Learn:
• Strategies to support physical function, energy, and independence in later life with cancer
• How approaches like rehabilitation, supportive care, and lifestyle interventions can improve wellbeing
• Ways to strengthen resilience, recovery, and emotional health during and after treatment
• How care teams can better support older adults and their caregivers

In this talk we will share results from research related to older adults living with cancer and other chronic conditions with the aim of living well as we age. We will share specific strategies for moving your body and maintaining social connection.

What you’ll learn: 

• Specific strategies for moving your body and maintaining social connection in later life  

Ailsa Sirois is a Registered Nurse and doctoral student at the University of British Columbia, with previous experience working as a kinesiologist. Her research focuses on healthy aging, health promotion, and health and community services that support older adults living with cancer and other chronic conditions.

This presentation explores the cancer care experiences of South Asian older adults and their families, highlighting the roles of advocacy, education, and culturally responsive support. Dr. Sandeep Dhillon and Ms. Gurleen Nirwal will discuss how aging, culture, language, and family caregiving shape cancer care experiences, while addressing barriers to accessing information and support services and emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive community care.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why cancer risk increases with age, and cancers that are commonly diagnosed among South Asian older adults
• Common barriers South Asian older adults may face when navigating health care and support services
• The important role of family caregiving throughout the health journey
• How culture, language, and stigma can influence access to cancer information and care
• The importance of culturally responsive advocacy, education, and community support initiative