Mission statement

The senior adult fitness exercise, or safe, was created as a user-friendly tool to give aging adults with mobility issues a viable option to incorporate a home-based exercise program into their daily lives as well as provide timely information and resources regarding their health and well-being.

Years of research, clinical trials and primary patient care have clearly demonstrated that a lack of physical activity is directly associated with diminished mobility and contributes to the onset and progression of age-related illnesses, be they acute or chronic. This necessarily places these aging seniors into a high-risk group that makes an initiative such as safe aimed at helping the prevention of falls and alleviating fall-related injuries even more crucial.

SAFE | About Us | Free Exercise Videos for Seniors

Meet the team

José A. Morais

MD, FRCPC, CSPQ

Dr. Morais is Full Professor of Medicine at McGill University. He holds a MD degree from the University of Montreal (1987) and completed a specialty in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at McGill University, Canada. He went on to complete a 3-year Research Fellowship in Nutrition and Metabolism at McGill Nutrition Centre. He is Senior Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) – in the Metabolic Disorders and Complications axis, in Montreal, Canada. In 2009, he became Director of the Division of Geriatric Medicine, McGill University, as well as of MUHC and Jewish General Hospital. Dr. Morais is also co-Director of the Quebec Network for Research on Aging and is Lead of the Dementia Education Program of the McGill Faculty of Medicine. He was the Founder and first Director of the Centre of Excellence on Aging and Chronic Disease of the RUIS McGill from 2012-2015. During this time, he was co-leader of the implementation of the Quebec Provincial Alzheimer’s Plan in Primary Care. He is also Past President of the Canadian Geriatrics Society.

His research interest relates to the assessment of protein metabolism and cellular regulation at whole-body and muscle levels and of protein requirements with age, frailty and diabetes.He is also participating in several studies involving the nutritional assessment of elderly persons with the aim of improving their nutritional status and level of physical function. He shares an interest in improving services and care to patients afflicted with chronic diseases. He holds research grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research as well as from the Fonds de recherche du Québec and collaborates in several projects supported by provincial and national agencies. He has more than 150 original publications, most of them in high impact journals in the field of aging, nutrition and metabolism.

Guy Hajj-Boutros

Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Québec in Montréal (UQAM)

Guy Hajj-Boutros holds a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Québec in Montreal. He has been an integral member of several research programs studying exercise and obesity and has published multiple papers on the definition and assessment of exercise as a functional clinical tool in older adults, both healthy and frail. He is currently involved in numerous clinical and research initiatives aimed at improving seniors’ overall quality of life. M. Hajj-Boutros’ many years as a volunteer in seniors’ residences has led to a concerted effort to promote healthy aging practices for seniors living with comorbidities. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Experimental Medicine at McGill University while concurrently working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.

Andréa Faust

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Québec in Montréal (UQAM)

Andréa Faust has a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Québec in Montreal and is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Physical Activity Science with a Therapeutic Alliance specialization there. Throughout her studies. Ms. Faust has worked with diverse patient groups including the elderly, children, mental health and injured patients. Her volunteer work in seniors’ residences provided her a unique perspective on the exertion required for seniors’ everyday activities and the importance of physical activity. She currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.

The Division of Geriatric Medicine of the Department of Medicine at McGill University

The Division of Geriatric Medicine at McGill University is dedicated to the advancement of research, teaching and clinical care. It is composed of Faculty members from the Divisions of Geriatric Medicine of the McGill University Health Centre (the Montreal General Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital), the Jewish General Hospital and from the affiliated division at St. Mary's Hospital.

The Montreal General Hospital Foundation

The Montreal General Hospital Foundation was established in 1973 and has grown to become one of the leading foundations in Quebec. Supporting excellence and innovation in healthcare is their primary commitment; delivering transformative outcomes for patients and medical professionals alike is their end goal. By putting people at the centre of all their endeavours, they play a key role in advancing important healthcare opportunities for today…and tomorrow. Alongside their valued donors and partners, the Foundation works hand in hand with health industry leaders to identify and sponsor these pivotal initiatives.

Accordingly, backing the safe program is perfectly aligned with their objectives. As the worldwide population continues to age exponentially, the demand for a program that focuses on the specific health needs of older adults has never been timelier or more pertinent. The Foundation recognizes this. Safe is built on years of medical expertise – a collection of evidence-based exercises that promotes senior wellbeing and the prevention of falls, to say nothing of other proven benefits in their lives. These include heightened autonomy, better sleep quality, improved metal focus and decreased depression. The website was specifically designed with seniors in mind – home-based, large fonts, colourful backgrounds, friendly tone and easy-to-follow instructions, all meant to encourage repeat visits so seniors can make the safe program an integral part of their weekly routine, whether alone or with a caregiver. When it comes to advocating for our senior adult community, the Montreal General Hospital Foundation is proud to support this vital program. Investing in safe is the definitely the right move.

Safe-seniors.com wishes to thank the Montreal General Hospital Foundation for funding the safe program. Their contributions and commitment to championing pioneering projects are substantial and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Acknowledgement

The Grace Dart Foundation is dedicated to providing our senior community with services and care tailored to their well-being in an environment that promotes respect, dignity and kindness. We thank them for their generosity and support of the safe program.