Sienna Foundation's $1 Million Gift Establishes Healthy Aging Research Centre at Ontario Tech
A significant philanthropic investment is set to advance research into healthy aging and senior well-being in Canada. The Sienna for Seniors Foundation has announced a transformative $1 million gift to Ontario Tech University, establishing the Sienna Senior Living Research Centre for Healthy Aging and Happiness.
Transformational Investment in Senior Well-being
The announcement, made in Oshawa on April 13, 2026, marks the official naming of the research centre and represents a shared commitment to advancing healthy aging, senior living innovation, and evidence-based supports for older adults. The substantial investment will support applied, human-centred research specifically designed to improve happiness and quality of life for seniors and those who care for them.
"Every day, Sienna's 15,500 team members serve more than 13,000 seniors across the country, and what we see consistently is that health and happiness are deeply connected," said Nitin Jain, President and CEO of Sienna Senior Living. "Our purpose, cultivating happiness in daily life, comes from those real moments where residents feel a sense of belonging. Clinical care will always be essential, but on its own, it's not enough for people to truly thrive."
Three Priority Research Areas
As part of Ontario Tech's Tech with a Conscience campaign, the newly established centre will concentrate on three critical priority areas:
- Enhancing well-being: Advancing innovative strategies and applied research to impact the overall happiness and quality of life for older adults living across different settings.
- Empowering people: Supporting education, training, and well-being initiatives for caregivers, health-care professionals, and senior living team members.
- Driving insight and impact: Development of evidence-based tools, policies, and measurement frameworks to inform the future of senior care.
Expert Leadership and Community Engagement
Research at the centre will be led by distinguished experts in aging and health sciences. Dr. Winnie Sun, the centre's Scientific Director of Wellness and Innovations in NeuroAging, Ontario Tech Research Excellence Chair in Healthy Aging and Dementia Care, and Associate Professor in the university's Faculty of Health Sciences, will play a key leadership role. She will be joined by Dr. Shilpa Dogra, Scientific Director of Active InnovAging at the centre, Research Director of Ontario Tech's Active Living and Longevity Lab, and Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The research methodology will incorporate insights gained from participants who live and work in diverse settings, ensuring findings are grounded in lived experiences and community-based participation. This approach promises to deliver practical, applicable results that reflect the real-world circumstances of Canada's aging population.
The announcement ceremony featured several notable figures, including John Henry, Regional Chair of Durham Region; Hon. Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility; and Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor of Ontario Tech University. Their presence underscores the broad support for this initiative across government, academic, and community sectors.
This $1 million gift represents a substantial commitment to addressing the complex challenges and opportunities presented by Canada's aging demographic. By focusing on both clinical and psychosocial aspects of senior care, the Sienna Senior Living Research Centre for Healthy Aging and Happiness aims to develop comprehensive approaches that help older adults not just survive, but truly thrive in their later years.
