Update on the CLSA: A Participant Engagement Webinar Series
CLSA Knowledge Mobilization Event (2025)

A series of four regional webinars (presented from 2023–25) for CLSA participants to foster engagement and retention. Sessions share study history, updates, and research findings in plain language, with interactive opportunities for questions.

  • From 2023 to 2025, the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) hosted a series of four regional webinars designed to strengthen participant engagement and retention. Each webinar targeted CLSA participants from a specific geographic region—Western, Central, and Atlantic Canada—with one French-language session to ensure accessibility.
  • Feedback from CLSA participant advisors informed the format and content of the webinars. Presenters included CLSA Principal Investigators (Drs. Parminder Raina and Christina Wolfson), site PIs and co-PIs, and researchers from the geographic regions. Each webinar included a trainee presentation, and staff from local sites joined as panelists and to answer questions.
  • The webinars aimed to share study history, updates, and research findings in plain language, while fostering a sense of connection and appreciation among participants. Interactive question-and-answer sessions allowed participants to engage directly with researchers.
  • The series reached a broad audience: 4,412 registrants and 2,306 live attendees, with an additional 2,271 views of recorded sessions on YouTube, extending access to the general public. Satisfaction surveys demonstrated strong impact: 96% of respondents found the content easy to understand, and comments highlighted appreciation for clear communication and the value of learning about ongoing research.

One participant noted:

“Receiving information about studies using data collected and getting links to further details to review later was most helpful.”

  • This initiative exemplifies knowledge mobilization by translating complex research findings into accessible, engaging formats for participants and the public. By promoting understanding and pride in participation, the webinars support long-term retention and encourage community sharing.
  • Next steps include a new engagement campaign featuring infographics, additional webinars, and mailouts informed by participant feedback, ensuring continued dialogue and meaningful involvement in CLSA research.
  • An additional webinar was held for CLSA participants on April 25, 2024, hosted by the University of Victoria (UVic) Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health in collaboration with CLSA site co-principal investigators, Dr. Theone Paterson and Dr. Tarek Amer. The forum provided an update on CLSA research activities and showcased some of the studies being conducted with CLSA data by faculty and graduate students at the University of Victoria.

About the Team

The CLSA Communications team, including:

  • Laura Lawson, CLSA Communications Manager (on leave July 2025-July 2026)
  • Amy Ladouceur, CLSA Communications Manager (acting)

Webinars were planned and coordinated by the CLSA Communications team with guidance and input from the CLSA’s Executive Committee.

Links to key/related outputs, including academic and non-academic, and further reading:

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