This article is part of a series exploring the research interests of RTOERO Summer Scholars. Since [year], RTOERO has supported [number of] students in expanding their experience and knowledge in the field of aging through a partnership with the National Institute on Ageing
Yes, money matters. That’s a lesson that RTOERO Summer Scholar Ellie Sun learned early, thanks to advanced placement courses in economics in high school. Aging well matters, too – another lesson she absorbed through hands-on volunteer experience with older adults as a teen. Sun quickly identified the connection between finances and aging well, a realization supported by research: Financial security reduces worry, enables access to high-quality care and allows older adults to participate in activities they enjoy.
Now, as an undergraduate student in the competitive health sciences program at Queen’s University, Sun is drawn to topics related to health equity. “Aging and health are not just about the biological processes, but also the social determinants of health, like social connectedness as well as financial security,” she explains.
The NIA-RTOERO Summer Scholar internship offered Sun a chance to explore these intersections in depth – a chance she couldn’t pass up.
A SUMMER OF GROWTH AND DISCOVERY
Sun hasn’t always been one to take chances. “I didn’t get involved in many clubs or events in high school because I thought I wouldn’t be good enough,” she says. “I wish I said yes more. I was scared of rejection.”
Her perspective has shifted since being accepted into the health sciences program – and it’s as practical as it is inspiring: “rejection is a redirection. If I never put myself out there, everything is automatically a no.”
Sun is one of a few undergraduate students to join the NIA as an RTOERO summer scholar. She was intimidated initially but felt welcomed and supported from day one. Throughout her internship, she contributed to meaningful projects, including assisting with the Missing Pension Plan Members report. The report highlights the challenge of Canada’s missing pensioners –individuals who cannot be contacted by their pension plan administrator. “People might change jobs around 10 times over their lifetime,” sun says. “So by age 65, 70, when they’re set to retire, they may not be looking for the pensions that they accumulated during their youth years or teenage years.”
According to the report, nearly 200,000 pension plan members are considered missing in Ontario alone, leaving behind $3.6 billion in unclaimed entitlements. Among her contributions, Sun researched the Dutch pension dashboard system, a centralized platform that aggregates pension information and one of three policy options presented in the report as possible solutions for Canada. The dashboard system lets citizens access accrued and expected pensions from various providers in one place, reducing the risk of unclaimed pensions.
She also honed new skills in developing briefing notes, preparing notes on key NIA publications, on ageism and on the federal 2024 budget proposal to form a working group for increasing domestic investment in Canadian pension funds.
But the most memorable project she supported can’t be discussed in detail yet. It’s a significant study on the value of defined-benefit pensions for aging populations. The findings are expected to provide key insights into how defined-benefit pensions contribute to older adults’ long-term health and economic stability. “I’ve gained a deeper understanding of different dynamics of aging, especially social isolation, access to healthcare and financial security. I think they’re extremely important to understand in order to advance this field of aging health,” sun says.
LOOKING AHEAD
What’s next for Sun? She’s exploring several paths, including a medical career specializing in gerontology, public health and policy work to drive systemic change or continued specialization in financial security and aging.
“This internship has allowed me to explore topics I’m passionate about and gain professional skills I never thought I’d have at this stage of my education,” she explains. “Being able to work with a team of extremely talented and brilliant individuals is something I’ll cherish for a lifetime.”
As sun continues her journey, she’s poised to help shape systems that make healthy aging more attainable for everyone – not just those who can afford it. She reminds us that aging well isn’t just about individual choices; it’s about creating societal structures that support all people as they grow older.
Financial security, health and aging were explored in RTOERO’s webinar poverty, housing and social justice: the urgent need to correct health inequalities. The recording is available to RTOERO members through RTOERO learning portal.
