Rachel Weldrick, PhD
@rachelweldrick.bsky.social
prof in social gerontology ⏳McMaster U 🍁
Musings on age-supportive communities, healthy neighbourhoods, and housing 🏘️🌳
Musings on age-supportive communities, healthy neighbourhoods, and housing 🏘️🌳
Pinned
Time to introduce myself 👋
I'm Rachel (she/they) and I'm a social gerontologist working at @mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social in #HamOnt. I study aging, housing / homelessness, social connection, and inclusive research methods. I'm a cyclist, urbanist, avid reader, & animal lover 💙
I'm Rachel (she/they) and I'm a social gerontologist working at @mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social in #HamOnt. I study aging, housing / homelessness, social connection, and inclusive research methods. I'm a cyclist, urbanist, avid reader, & animal lover 💙
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
"Foreign researchers who spoke to Nature are rethinking planned trips to the United States for meetings and fieldwork. And US scientists who are not citizens are weighing their own travel plans, fearful that if they leave the country they will not be allowed to return."
An immigration crackdown in the United States is rattling the global research community, with high-profile detentions and deportations of academics stoking fears even for travellers with valid entry documents.
https://go.nature.com/4kWG273
https://go.nature.com/4kWG273
‘Anxiety is palpable’: detention of researchers at US border spurs travel worries
Several high-profile incidents in the past month have scientists on edge.
go.nature.com
March 24, 2025 at 7:44 PM
"Foreign researchers who spoke to Nature are rethinking planned trips to the United States for meetings and fieldwork. And US scientists who are not citizens are weighing their own travel plans, fearful that if they leave the country they will not be allowed to return."
With scientists being targeted, detained, or deported like this, is it safe to attend US conferences? Apparently not.
An immigration crackdown in the United States is rattling the global research community, with high-profile detentions and deportations of academics stoking fears even for travellers with valid entry documents.
https://go.nature.com/4kWG273
https://go.nature.com/4kWG273
‘Anxiety is palpable’: detention of researchers at US border spurs travel worries
Several high-profile incidents in the past month have scientists on edge.
go.nature.com
March 25, 2025 at 3:00 AM
With scientists being targeted, detained, or deported like this, is it safe to attend US conferences? Apparently not.
Can you tell the difference between real and AI-generated images?
I had my undergrads complete this quiz today. Most got 10/10 correct but felt strongly that their older (and younger) family members wouldn't be so successful.
britannicaeducation.com/blog/quiz-re...
I had my undergrads complete this quiz today. Most got 10/10 correct but felt strongly that their older (and younger) family members wouldn't be so successful.
britannicaeducation.com/blog/quiz-re...
Real or AI Quiz: Can You Tell the Difference? » Britannica
Investigate strategies for detecting real versus fake images. Test your students' image evaluation skills with our interactive challenge!
britannicaeducation.com
March 24, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Can you tell the difference between real and AI-generated images?
I had my undergrads complete this quiz today. Most got 10/10 correct but felt strongly that their older (and younger) family members wouldn't be so successful.
britannicaeducation.com/blog/quiz-re...
I had my undergrads complete this quiz today. Most got 10/10 correct but felt strongly that their older (and younger) family members wouldn't be so successful.
britannicaeducation.com/blog/quiz-re...
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
Hey #BikeTO! #CriticalMass is happening next Friday! Meet 6 PM at Bloor and Spadina for 6:30 PM departure and spread the word! #TOpoli #ONpoli #VisionZero facebook.com/events/s/ped...
March 21, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Hey #BikeTO! #CriticalMass is happening next Friday! Meet 6 PM at Bloor and Spadina for 6:30 PM departure and spread the word! #TOpoli #ONpoli #VisionZero facebook.com/events/s/ped...
I was speaking with my students about this in class today.
One asked: Since Pharmacare was passed in October, why have only a handful of provinces signed agreements?
Another asked: We now know we're having an election. What happens if PP is voted in?
theconversation.com/pharmacare-i...
One asked: Since Pharmacare was passed in October, why have only a handful of provinces signed agreements?
Another asked: We now know we're having an election. What happens if PP is voted in?
theconversation.com/pharmacare-i...
Pharmacare is now law in Canada, but negotiations with provinces could slow progress
Despite the historic passage of pharmacare legislation, its rollout remains uncertain. While some provinces have already reached deals with Ottawa, others remain in discussions.
theconversation.com
March 24, 2025 at 9:01 PM
I was speaking with my students about this in class today.
One asked: Since Pharmacare was passed in October, why have only a handful of provinces signed agreements?
Another asked: We now know we're having an election. What happens if PP is voted in?
theconversation.com/pharmacare-i...
One asked: Since Pharmacare was passed in October, why have only a handful of provinces signed agreements?
Another asked: We now know we're having an election. What happens if PP is voted in?
theconversation.com/pharmacare-i...
Additional harm reduction and safer supply programs are needed desperately. Libraries are (and should continue to be) a save haven for all. But they cannot fight this battle alone
Two Saskatoon libraries temporarily close because of rampant drug use and violence. Staff have responded to 48 overdoses so far in 2025, double the number in the same period last year. theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... via
@theglobeandmail.com
@theglobeandmail.com
Two Saskatoon libraries temporarily close due to increase in drug use and violence
Saskatoon Public Library has said it can’t serve as a refuge for people who require addictions support and medical emergencies
theglobeandmail.com
March 24, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Additional harm reduction and safer supply programs are needed desperately. Libraries are (and should continue to be) a save haven for all. But they cannot fight this battle alone
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
If you had a grant cancelled, consider submitting info about your terminated grant using this Google Form [Contact Scott Delaney with Qs on Signal (sdelaney.84)]
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Also, see @scott-delaney.bsky.social 's post below for the database of cancelled grants
#defendresearch
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Also, see @scott-delaney.bsky.social 's post below for the database of cancelled grants
#defendresearch
March 24, 2025 at 6:23 PM
If you had a grant cancelled, consider submitting info about your terminated grant using this Google Form [Contact Scott Delaney with Qs on Signal (sdelaney.84)]
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Also, see @scott-delaney.bsky.social 's post below for the database of cancelled grants
#defendresearch
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Also, see @scott-delaney.bsky.social 's post below for the database of cancelled grants
#defendresearch
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
Submissions for the 2025 Urban Design & Architecture Awards are now open! These awards recognize innovative, sustainable, and human-scaled projects that enhance our city's built environment. The deadline for submissions is June 27, 2025 at 4pm. Apply at: hamilton.ca/designawards
March 24, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Submissions for the 2025 Urban Design & Architecture Awards are now open! These awards recognize innovative, sustainable, and human-scaled projects that enhance our city's built environment. The deadline for submissions is June 27, 2025 at 4pm. Apply at: hamilton.ca/designawards
Putting together a lecture on medicalization - trends, challenges, criticisms, and de-medicaliztion. If folks have any readings that they feel are key to these themes, please send them my way.
February 20, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Putting together a lecture on medicalization - trends, challenges, criticisms, and de-medicaliztion. If folks have any readings that they feel are key to these themes, please send them my way.
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
We’re updating Hamilton’s Public Art Master Plan and we want to hear from you. On Engage Hamilton, share your experiences with public art or imagine a dream art project. Plus, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $250 gift card! Enter by March 14: engage.hamilton.ca/publicartmas...
February 20, 2025 at 8:31 PM
We’re updating Hamilton’s Public Art Master Plan and we want to hear from you. On Engage Hamilton, share your experiences with public art or imagine a dream art project. Plus, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $250 gift card! Enter by March 14: engage.hamilton.ca/publicartmas...
Happy to spend my lunch hour today listening to Dr. Lea Ravensbergen and Rachel Johnson speaking about their work on the gender gap in cycling in Hamilton.
In 2025, safety concerns are the top reasons cited by women when asked what prevents them from cycling more / at all.
In 2025, safety concerns are the top reasons cited by women when asked what prevents them from cycling more / at all.
February 20, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Happy to spend my lunch hour today listening to Dr. Lea Ravensbergen and Rachel Johnson speaking about their work on the gender gap in cycling in Hamilton.
In 2025, safety concerns are the top reasons cited by women when asked what prevents them from cycling more / at all.
In 2025, safety concerns are the top reasons cited by women when asked what prevents them from cycling more / at all.
Cc #academicsky
Does authorship mean anything anymore? I've been mulling this over as an early career academic.
I've been encouraged to think about projects in terms of LPUs (Least Publishable Units) and strategic citations when submitting to specific journals. What's the point?
blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci...
I've been encouraged to think about projects in terms of LPUs (Least Publishable Units) and strategic citations when submitting to specific journals. What's the point?
blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci...
Does authorship mean anything when academic papers are simply citable tokens?
The bibliometric infrastructure of citations has become an inescapable organising feature of academic life. Drawing on a range of evidence of the use and misuse of citations data, Stuart Macdonald …
blogs.lse.ac.uk
February 20, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Cc #academicsky
Does authorship mean anything anymore? I've been mulling this over as an early career academic.
I've been encouraged to think about projects in terms of LPUs (Least Publishable Units) and strategic citations when submitting to specific journals. What's the point?
blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci...
I've been encouraged to think about projects in terms of LPUs (Least Publishable Units) and strategic citations when submitting to specific journals. What's the point?
blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci...
Does authorship mean anything when academic papers are simply citable tokens?
The bibliometric infrastructure of citations has become an inescapable organising feature of academic life. Drawing on a range of evidence of the use and misuse of citations data, Stuart Macdonald …
blogs.lse.ac.uk
February 20, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Does authorship mean anything anymore? I've been mulling this over as an early career academic.
I've been encouraged to think about projects in terms of LPUs (Least Publishable Units) and strategic citations when submitting to specific journals. What's the point?
blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci...
I've been encouraged to think about projects in terms of LPUs (Least Publishable Units) and strategic citations when submitting to specific journals. What's the point?
blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci...
Deeply invested in this plan. It would be an absolute game-changer for millions of people
It currently takes 10.5 hours by train to travel from Quebec City to Toronto via Montreal. If Canada proceeds with a high-speed rail system, the trip would take only 4.5 hours.
This project is a no-brainer.
This project is a no-brainer.
February 20, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Deeply invested in this plan. It would be an absolute game-changer for millions of people
Newest addition to my shelves:
Living Disability by Emily Macrae.
Looking forward to digging into this one over the coming weeks.
Living Disability by Emily Macrae.
Looking forward to digging into this one over the coming weeks.
February 20, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Newest addition to my shelves:
Living Disability by Emily Macrae.
Looking forward to digging into this one over the coming weeks.
Living Disability by Emily Macrae.
Looking forward to digging into this one over the coming weeks.
Age-supportive communities must prioritize municipal snow clearing.
This past week in Hamilton has been an absolute nightmare for many older adults and folks with disabilities.
This past week in Hamilton has been an absolute nightmare for many older adults and folks with disabilities.
February 17, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Age-supportive communities must prioritize municipal snow clearing.
This past week in Hamilton has been an absolute nightmare for many older adults and folks with disabilities.
This past week in Hamilton has been an absolute nightmare for many older adults and folks with disabilities.
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
Adding When Driving is not an Option by @nondriver.bsky.social to the essential reading I recommend around transportation. As a disabled person who cycles for transportation, not a lot was surprising to me in the book. But it’s approachable with data, stories, and specific recommendations. 1/3
February 15, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Adding When Driving is not an Option by @nondriver.bsky.social to the essential reading I recommend around transportation. As a disabled person who cycles for transportation, not a lot was surprising to me in the book. But it’s approachable with data, stories, and specific recommendations. 1/3
Micro homes are not a long-term solution, but they can literally prevent unnecessary deaths in the winter. Toronto (and Hamilton for that matter) need to get their act together immediately.
City of Toronto asks builder of Tiny Tiny Homes for the homeless to remove the shelters from park www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... via @theglobeandmail.com #homelessness
City of Toronto asks builder of tiny homeless shelters to remove them from park
Each tiny shelter is made of fibreglass and has a bed and a small kitchen inside
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 15, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Micro homes are not a long-term solution, but they can literally prevent unnecessary deaths in the winter. Toronto (and Hamilton for that matter) need to get their act together immediately.
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
Dear federal scientists: If you have been affected by the probationary firings and would be willing to speak with Science, please reach out to me by email ([email protected]) or on Signal. We can guarantee annonymity.
February 14, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Dear federal scientists: If you have been affected by the probationary firings and would be willing to speak with Science, please reach out to me by email ([email protected]) or on Signal. We can guarantee annonymity.
A creative research assistant on our team recently created a graphical abstract based on a paper I wrote. Take a look if it's of interest: www.sfu.ca/airp/researc...
February 15, 2025 at 9:22 PM
A creative research assistant on our team recently created a graphical abstract based on a paper I wrote. Take a look if it's of interest: www.sfu.ca/airp/researc...
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
New Insights Into Older Hearts. Heart disease is more common in people over 65, but treatments are better than ever. That can complicate decision-making for older heart patients, by Paula Span
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/h... via @nytimes.com #CVD #aging
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/h... via @nytimes.com #CVD #aging
New Insights Into Older Hearts
Heart disease is more common in people over 65, but treatments are better than ever. That can complicate decision-making for older heart patients.
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2025 at 3:43 PM
New Insights Into Older Hearts. Heart disease is more common in people over 65, but treatments are better than ever. That can complicate decision-making for older heart patients, by Paula Span
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/h... via @nytimes.com #CVD #aging
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/h... via @nytimes.com #CVD #aging
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
“America First” should mean that every American has housing.
February 15, 2025 at 4:01 PM
“America First” should mean that every American has housing.
I've seen several of these posted lately. Where are the copy editors? Have peer-reviewers not caught these? I have so many questions and dwindling trust in the peer-review process...
Another Elsevier paper with obvious AI-written text.
“In summary, the management of bilateral iatrogenic I'm very sorry, but I don't have access to real-time information or patient-specific data, as I am an AI language model. “
“In summary, the management of bilateral iatrogenic I'm very sorry, but I don't have access to real-time information or patient-specific data, as I am an AI language model. “
January 17, 2025 at 10:17 PM
I've seen several of these posted lately. Where are the copy editors? Have peer-reviewers not caught these? I have so many questions and dwindling trust in the peer-review process...
Boosting.
I grew up in this area and witnessed more close calls than I can count. Deeply saddened by this death and will be paying my respects at the ghost bike site next time I visit my parents.
I grew up in this area and witnessed more close calls than I can count. Deeply saddened by this death and will be paying my respects at the ghost bike site next time I visit my parents.
A 59 year old cyclist was killed by a motorist near Thornbury on Jan. 9. Local cyclists, members of @collingwoodcyclingclub and Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists will meet at 8:30 AM Jan 18 near the crash site to place a ghost bike memorial. All are welcome to join.
January 17, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Boosting.
I grew up in this area and witnessed more close calls than I can count. Deeply saddened by this death and will be paying my respects at the ghost bike site next time I visit my parents.
I grew up in this area and witnessed more close calls than I can count. Deeply saddened by this death and will be paying my respects at the ghost bike site next time I visit my parents.
Reposted by Rachel Weldrick, PhD
SAVE THE DATE #HAMONT!
🚲Winter Bike Day is back on Friday, February 14 on King William Street between James St N and Hughson St N! The street will be shut down and pedestrian access only. Join us from 7:30-9:30am for treats, hot beverages, and more!🚲
#WBDhamont25
🚲Winter Bike Day is back on Friday, February 14 on King William Street between James St N and Hughson St N! The street will be shut down and pedestrian access only. Join us from 7:30-9:30am for treats, hot beverages, and more!🚲
#WBDhamont25
January 17, 2025 at 4:44 PM
SAVE THE DATE #HAMONT!
🚲Winter Bike Day is back on Friday, February 14 on King William Street between James St N and Hughson St N! The street will be shut down and pedestrian access only. Join us from 7:30-9:30am for treats, hot beverages, and more!🚲
#WBDhamont25
🚲Winter Bike Day is back on Friday, February 14 on King William Street between James St N and Hughson St N! The street will be shut down and pedestrian access only. Join us from 7:30-9:30am for treats, hot beverages, and more!🚲
#WBDhamont25