Mallory Lowes

Mallory Lowes grew up in Grand Coulee, Saskatchewan prior to attending Vancouver Island University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She has a passion for local community engagement and raising awareness of social issues pertaining to mental health, poverty and homelessness. She aspires to obtain a Master in Community Development to continue on the journey of conducting community-based research and addressing social needs.

Partner: The Stop Community Food Centre

Policy Brief: Addressing the Multidimensional Barriers of Older Toronto Residents

Final Report: The Urban Age of Aging

As the aging population in Canada is on the rise, it is critical that urban areas adapt its services and built environment for this demographic change. Insight into the current livelihood of older adults can help prevent the growth of aging-related issues in the future. This project examines challenges of multidimensional poverty, social isolation and food insecurity among older adults in the city of Toronto, specifically among older individuals who reside in the St. Paul’s and Davenport federal riding areas. Within this focus, the impact of rapid gentrification and an austerity-driven government on the lived experiences of older adults is explored. This research aims to provide the potential for community programming and governmental actors to create opportunities to best address the challenges faced by older adults and foster social connectedness in the Toronto area.

Keywords: seniors, aging, social isolation, poverty, food insecurity, older, gentrification, austerity, Ontario, Toronto

Community Engagement Initiative: Older Adults and Seniors Community Consultation