Health, Aging & Society
What Is Health, Aging & Society?
Health, Aging & Society is an interdisciplinary program that explores how health and aging are shaped by social, cultural, economic, and political forces. Students examine the lived experiences of individuals across the life course, as well as the systems and policies that influence well-being, care, and equity.
With a strong focus on mental health, social justice, and aging populations, the program prepares students to think critically and compassionately about some of society’s most pressing challenges.
What Might You Study?
Students in this program explore a wide range of topics that go beyond the biomedical model:
Social Determinants of Health
Income, housing, identity, and access to care
Mental Health & Addiction
Social constructions, stigma, and treatment systems
Aging & Later Life
Myths, care systems, policy, and cultural perspectives
Health Systems & Policy
Organization, equity, and reform
Disability, Chronic Illness & Ethics
Representation, lived experience, and advocacy
Kickstart Your Journey With Health & Society I
Begin your university experience with Health & Society I, the dedicated first-year entry point into McMaster’s Health, Aging & Society programs. This pathway offers an interdisciplinary foundation in public health, mental health, aging, and social policy – taught through the lens of the Social Sciences. With small classes, experiential learning, and community-partnered research, students explore how health and society intersect while building connections across disciplines.
Program Options
Program Type |
Description |
| Honours BA in Aging & Society | Focused on aging populations, care systems, and social policy |
| Honours BA Aging & Society (Co-op) |
A 4-year program integrating classroom learning with co-op placements in aging services, advocacy, or gerontology research |
| Honours BA in Health & Society | Emphasizes health systems, equity, and mental health |
| Honours BA Health & Society (Co-op) |
A 4-year program combining academic study with paid work experience in health policy, community care, or public health |
| Specialization in Mental Health & Addiction | Available in both Honours programs |
| Combined Honours BA | Pair Aging or Health and Society with another discipline |
| Minor in Health, Aging & Society | Add social health insight any major |
| Minor in Mental Health, Addiction & Society | Explore the social dimensions of mental health |
| Graduate Programs | MA in Health and Aging, PhD in Health and Society, PhD in Social Gerontology |
* Courses range from topics like Social Identity, Health & Illness, Geographies of Death & Disease, Global Health, Narratives of Illness, and Ethical Issues in Health & Aging
Unique Opportunities
Students in Health, Aging & Society gain hands-on experience through placements, research, and community engagement – preparing them for careers in health, policy, and advocacy.
Labs & Facilities
While not lab-based, students benefit from various centres and facilities:
- Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging: Leads interdisciplinary research and community engagement on aging issues
- The Collaboratory for Research on Urban Neighbourhoods, Community Health and Housing (CRUNCH): Researches how housing and neighbourhoods impact community health
- McMaster Institute for Health Equity (MIHE): Promotes research and action to advance health equity
- McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI): Supports Indigenous-led research and ethical community collaboration
- McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA): Advances aging research through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation
Students explore health and aging through qualitative research, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Experiential Learning & Internships
Students gain real-world experience through third-year placements and experiential courses:
Key highlights:
- Field placements with:
- Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
- Hamilton Health Department
- Long-term care homes and community health centres
- Career planning course (SOC SCI 2EL3)
- Research assistantships with faculty projects
- Thesis and independent study options
These experiences help students apply theory to practice and build professional networks in health, social services, and policy
Study Abroad & Global Opportunities
Students can expand their learning through international exchanges and global health courses:
Key highlights:
- McMaster Exchange Program with 100+ global partner universities
- Study abroad while earning McMaster credits
- Courses like Global Health Crises and Environment & Health
- Funding support through fellowships and travel bursaries
- Opportunities for international research collaboration
These experiences foster cultural awareness and a global perspective on health and aging.
Student Life & Community
Health, Aging & Society offers a supportive and interdisciplinary student experience:
Key highlights:
- Mentorship from upper-year students and faculty
- Guest lectures, speaker series, and student symposiums
- Collaboration with Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, and Public Health
- Opportunities to join student organizations and advocacy groups
- Small class sizes and close-knit community
Students build lasting connections while exploring meaningful topics that impact lives locally and globally
Health, Aging & Society Student Association (HASSA)
The Health, Aging & Society Student Association (HASSA) is a student-run group that fosters connection, engagement, and support across all years and programs. Acting as a bridge between students and faculty, HASSA promotes the study of health and aging through academic, social, and cultural programming.
Key highlights:
- Academic events like Meet the Profs, guest lectures, and student panels
- Peer mentorship and guidance for first-year and transfer students
- Advocacy and awareness campaigns around mental health, aging, and equity
- Social events including mixers, wellness activities, and themed socials
- Collaboration with other program societies and the MSSS for cross-departmental events
- Opportunities to join the executive team or volunteer at events
Whether you’re looking to deepen your academic experience, meet new people, or get involved in advocacy, HASSA offers a welcoming and inclusive space to grow within the Health, Aging & Society community.