Muslim older adults continue to experience health inequities. We created a research advisory board led by and housed in the Council for Muslims on Aging Gracefully (CoMAG) to empower community-driven aging research in Muslim communities. The goal was to foster research relevant and responsive to these communities’ needs, particularly in addressing issues like Islamophobia and its impacts on mental and physical health. This approach helps improve the quality and relevance of research, builds trust, and ensures that research results are used to advocate for effective programs and policies.

The project outcomes included an autonomous community advisory board housed under CoMAG that was designed to meet the needs of Muslim communities and the successful organization and implementation of a research-advocacy event titled “Shaping Policy with Muslim Community Voices: Advancing Healthy Aging Together” which took place on April 30th, 2026 at the Lister Conference Centre on campus at the University of Alberta. 62 people, including CoMAG board members, attended. This four-hour event sought to share recent research and enable discussions about supporting older Muslims living in Edmonton.

These initiatives strengthened Muslim communities’ involvement in research, fostered new collaborations, and supported discussion about effective aging policies and programs.

Project Dates: 2024-2026

Funders: CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grant – Institute Community Support