Dr. Linda Garcia: Communication Disorders and Social Isolation and Loneliness

Dr. Linda Garcia joins host Peter Snow to discuss aphasia and communication disorders in older adults, and the role they can play in social isolation and loneliness.Linda Garcia, PhD, is Professor Emeritus at the University of Ottawa and a long-standing leader in aging, communication, and quality of life research. A former speech-language pathologist and academic leader, she founded the uOttawa LIFE Research Institute and has spent decades advancing interdisciplinary approaches to aging, dementia, social connection, and inclusive communities. Dr. Garcia currently serves as President of the Fondation Miroir Foundation, a Canadian registered charity dedicated to reducing loneliness and enhancing the quality of life of older adults through joy, connection, and meaningful engagement. Through her leadership, the Foundation supports innovative initiatives that foster social connection and community inclusion for older persons across Canada.Her work focuses on aging, loneliness, communication, intergenerational connection, and the translation of research and innovative ideas into meaningful community impact.Learn more about the Fondation Miroir FoundationFor more tips, tools, and resources visit our website.Read the 2024 Canadian Clinical Guidelines on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults.For over 20 years, The Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH), a program of the Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry ( CAGP), has been researching, writing and mobilizing clinical guidelines on a diversity of topics related to mental health and ageing. To learn more visit our website.