Latest News

Stopping Frailty in its Tracks

A patient using a walker with therapist
“We’re most proud that our research is making a real difference in people’s lives, both here in Hamilton and around the world.”

“Frailty is a state of diminished energy, physical ability and cognition to the extent that a patient’s overall function is reduced,” explains Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, a geriatrician and Executive Director of the GERAS Centre for Aging Research. “Frailty can lead to falls, loss of independence, hospitalization and even death.”

GERAS, located within the Juravinski Research Centre on Aging, comprises the largest network of geriatricians in the region.

“Programs like GERAS Frailty Rehab are designed to reduce frailty, and improve physical function and the independence of frail adults who are over 65,” says Dr. Papaioannou. “Whereas GERAS Fit Joints is a custom program that helps frail patients become fit before joint-replacement surgery to reduce post-surgical complications and improve mobility.”

Making a difference in people’s lives

Many GERAS studies focus on frailty interventions such as exercise, nutrition, socialization and medication. Foundation-funded projects include the Fit-Frailty App, which can be used in conjunction with your physician to assess your risk of frailty.

“The Fit-Frailty App asks you to answer questions like how fast you walk or if you’re having difficulties getting out of a chair,” explains Dr. Papaioannou. “Care providers are able to recommend the best course of treatment based on these identified risks.”

The GERAS team also developed the fracture risk scale (FRS), the first tool of its kind for patients in long-term care. Used internationally, FRS identifies who’s at risk of bone fractures. This is important because hip fractures are a major cause of hospitalizations.

“We’re most proud that our research is making a real difference in people’s lives, both here in Hamilton and around the world,” says Dr. Papaioannou.

‍

Recent News

New interpretation technology to be expanded at HHS thanks to RBC Foundation commitment
HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is expanding medical interpretation services for its patients and families thanks to a $900,000 commitment from the RBC Foundation. Medical interpretation platforms using on-demand video and audio services are currently being used to support patients and families in all in-patient, emergency, and diagnostic areas within the hospital. This donation will make it possible to expand this technology to over 300 ambulatory (out patient and clinic) services across all sites, as well.
Doctors and staff from McMaster Children’s Hospital gather with their families at the 2025 MacKids Walk & Wheel, which raises funds to support pediatric research and care.
Donor-driven discoveries: How MacKids’ philanthropy powers child health research
Every discovery starts with a question. From how to reduce rates of childhood obesity to how to help kids more fully recover from intensive care, researchers at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) are tackling some of the most pressing questions in child health. With support from MacKids — and events such as the flagship MacKids Walk &Wheel — a growing community of donors is helping turn bold ideas into life-changing care for children and families in Hamilton and around the world.
New brain health platform in Hamilton aims to revolutionize treatment and research
The human brain is incredibly complex,managing everything from our breathing and movement to our thoughts, emotions and memories. According to the World Health Organization, brain-related disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, significantly impacting people's health and well-being. There is a critical need to better understand how the brain functions and to develop novel treatments andinterventions that can improve or retain brain health.
Driving Research Forward: Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation’s Commitment to Innovation
As one of the Foundation’s four pillars of support research is a growing priority. To accelerate its impact, the Foundation has created the role of Director, Research Philanthropy, welcoming Laura Gawley to build momentum inour donor community.
Juravinski Research Institute announces new Hamilton biospecimen program to propel medical discoveries
Funding from the Juravinski Research Institute has established the Hamilton Regional Biospecimen Services Program to better collect and manage biological samples for research.
Introducing MacKids: A Fresh Chapter in Supporting Pediatric Care
Why MacKids? MacKids is all about kids. We chose this name to reflect the heart of what we do – bringing people together to support life-changing care for children.
Anissa Hilborn and Tracey MacArthur planting a tree in the Juravinskis' honour
Rooted in research: New $5.1-million gift commemorates fifth anniversary of the Juravinski Research Institute
On May 29, 2019, Charles and Margaret Juravinski forever altered the health-research landscape in Hamilton by establishing the Juravinski Research Institute (JRI) - a partnership between that is improving the health of Canadians by advancing groundbreaking research.
Inspiration Lottery 50/50 winner Joan with a huge cheque for $57,025
The Ticket Purchase Itself Was A Win!
While Joan is beyond thrilled about her $57,025 grand prize, she is also grateful to know that the other $57,025 will be providing for the highest priority needs to patients, like herself, across Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) hospitals.