Tell us about yourself in a paragraph or two: What is your name, and what are you studying? Where are you from? What was your dream job as a kid? What’s your favourite thing to do outside of school/work?
My name is Arezoo Mojbafan, and I am a PhD candidate at Dalhousie University. I am originally from Iran and have a strong background in healthcare management and health human resources. Since immigrating to Canada, I have also contributed to multiple research projects and publications exploring aging and health policy. I also co-authored a book chapter titled “Contextual Factors Influencing Older Persons’ Health,” which reflects my ongoing passion for aging and health.
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, but as I grew older, I realized that improving people’s health often depends on the systems, structures, and policies that support them. This realization shifted my focus from individual care to the broader determinants of health and equity. A major source of inspiration for me has been my grandparents, who immigrated to the United States many years ago. Watching them struggle to navigate healthcare systems, and face barriers in accessing the care they needed as older adults had a deep impact on me. Their experience inspired me to pursue my PhD research in this area.
Outside of my academic life, I enjoy painting, exploring nature, and discovering the beautiful trails and coastal landscapes of Nova Scotia.
What interested you about the CLSA?
The CLSA’s comprehensive and longitudinal design drew me in. It captures both the social and biological dimensions of aging across Canada’s diverse populations. As someone deeply interested in health equity and aging, I saw the CLSA as an invaluable opportunity to explore how determinants such as immigration status, years living in Canada, and other sociodemographic factors intersect to shape older immigrants’ health over time.
What type of research are you doing with CLSA data? Have you published? If so, what are the findings (in lay terms)?
I am using CLSA data to compare the health status of Canadian-born older adults and older immigrants across several dimensions of health, including physical, mental, and social well-being. My goal is to identify the characteristics of older immigrants at higher risk of poor health and guide my next phase of PhD research.
What is the most interesting or surprising thing you’ve learned from your work with the CLSA?
Working with the CLSA has already been a valuable learning experience. I am currently in the middle of my analysis, and I have been fascinated by how complex and interconnected the determinants of health are among older adults, and how health itself changes over time. Working with the CLSA has allowed me to see that health is not static; it evolves as people age and as their social, economic, and environmental contexts shift. This understanding has deepened my appreciation for how multidimensional health really is and how aging interacts with broader life circumstances
How do you think the CLSA will help you grow as a student or in your future?
Even at this stage of analysis, the CLSA has helped me strengthen my quantitative research and data interpretation skills, especially when working with complex, population-based datasets. Beyond technical growth, the CLSA has encouraged me to think critically about how large-scale evidence can be translated into real policy change. I believe this experience will prepare me for future roles in health policy and research, where I can contribute to improving equity in healthcare access for older immigrants.
How do you think the findings using CLSA data will be useful to you, or others, in the future?
The findings from my CLSA research will provide evidence-based insights into where and why health inequities exist among older immigrant populations in Canada. By identifying which groups are at greater risk of poor health and what factors contribute to those disparities, this research can inform targeted interventions and more equitable health policies.
For me personally, these findings will form the foundation for my future work in health equity and policy development, helping me collaborate with decision-makers and community organizations to ensure that older adults, regardless of background, can access the care and support they need. For others, I hope this research highlights the importance of inclusive data and intersectional policy approaches in building a fairer healthcare system.
Do you have any idea about what kind of job you’d like to do when you finish school?
Yes, I hope to work as a health policy researcher, ideally in an academic or governmental setting. I am passionate about bridging the gap between research and policy, ensuring that evidence about inequities, aging, and healthcare reaches decision-makers. In the long term, I would like to lead research programs focused on equity in aging and health system reform, contributing to the development of more inclusive health policies across Canada.
What is a non-career related thing that you are grateful for because of your work with the CLSA?
I am genuinely grateful for the sense of community that has come with being part of the CLSA trainee network. I have met inspiring peers who are passionate about older adults. These connections have made my academic journey more meaningful and enjoyable. Beyond the professional benefits, friendships, shared curiosity, and encouragement from other trainees is what I value most.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey with the CLSA?
I am proud that my work will contribute to a growing body of Canadian research that values diversity and equity in aging. I see the CLSA not just as a research platform but as a movement toward inclusive, evidence-based health policy, a mission Iam honored to be part of.
