Research in focus: Thea Franke
Learn more about the work of our researchers at UBC
August 12, 2025
Name:
Thea Franke
My pronouns:
she/her
Title:
Research Associate
Faculty/Department/Unit:
Faculty of Medicine/ Department of Family Practice
Location:
Vancouver
Year I started working at UBC:
2019
Provide an overview of your research in 75 words or less:
I am advancing implementation science to improve older adults’ wellbeing. A Research Associate at UBC’s Active Aging Research Team, I lead efforts to expand Choose to Move (CTM)—an evidence-based intervention addressing physical inactivity and social isolation. I evaluate implementation strategies to enhance organizational capacity for scaling CTM across British Columbia. With a focus on practical, community-centered solutions, I bridge research and practice to foster healthier, more connected aging communities.
What first motivated you (or motivates you) to conduct your research?
I was inspired by my grandmother, who lived a vibrant, socially connected life in her community as she aged. Her experiences showed me the importance of fostering opportunities for older adults to stay healthy and engaged in their own neighbourhoods. This motivated my research to support aging in place and promote well-being through community-based initiatives.
What have you learned during your research that has surprised you the most?
What surprised me most during my research is the immense dedication of the community-based senior service sector to improving older adults' lives. Their efforts are inspiring, yet they face significant resource constraints. This highlights the urgent need for increased funding for health prevention initiatives and capacity-building efforts. Strengthening the capacity of these organizations is crucial to ensuring they can effectively continue supporting older adults' health and well-being.
Describe any interesting research milestones you are approaching
Choose to Move has engaged >8,000 (as of June 2025) older adults across British Columbia (BC), Canada and is now being delivered in English, Punjabi, Chinese, Persian and Spanish!
Learn more:
https://activeagingrt.ca
https://choosetomove.ca
https://www.activeagingsociety.org
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