Joanie Sims-Gould
Wall Associate
Dr. Sims-Gould is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Practice at the University of British Columbia. She is a Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator and a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar.
Dr. Sims-Gould is a dedicated sex and gender health researcher who applies novel methodological and engagement approaches to understanding broad public health concerns, particularly those related to older adults and “adding life to years”. She works with diverse stakeholders to ensure that her research is inclusive and reflects real needs (and questions). With her strong commitment to knowledge mobilization, Dr. Sims-Gould ensures that her research findings are ‘brought back’ to stakeholders in the public sphere using dynamic and engaging knowledge translation tools, such as film.
Dr. Sims-Gould is directly involved and currently leads several research projects focused on the intersection between older adult health, socio-economic status, culture, mobility and gender.
Primary Recipient Awards
“I’d Rather Stay”: Visual Media as a Catalyst to Engage Community around Developing Strategies to Support the Mobility and Health of Older People
Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Joanie Sims-Gould and Dr. Heather McKay, Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Faculty of Medicine UBC
Partner(s): Mr. Matt Herman, Healthy Living Branch, BC Ministry of Health
We seek solutions to the problem of mobility-disability in older people so as to support them living healthy, independent lives for as long as possible. Physically active older people enjoy and benefit from enhanced mobility. Our key partner– BC Ministry of Health – identified physical activity of older adult as one priority for BC’s Physical Activity Action Plan. We have the opportunity to use a novel strategy (facilitated community forums and an impactful video that generates discussion) to directly inform the Action Plan and potentially impact every community in BC. Therefore we will; i) implement community-led forums in 6 diverse BC communities, to (ii) identify factors that help or hinder seniors’ physical activity and mobility, while building community capacity; (iii) generate a guideline document to support community action; (iv) evaluate impact and share our findings broadly. Ultimately, we aim to enhance the quality of life of older persons in BC.
Co-Principal Investigator Awards
Re-imagine Aging: Adding Life to Years
Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Heather Anne McKay, Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Faculty of Medicine, UBC; Dr. Joanie Sims-Gould, Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Department of Family Practice, UBC