Dr. Olive Bryanton

Ambassador

Dr. Olive Bryanton is an advocate for older persons, a lifelong learner, and an action orientated agent of change. As an agent of change, Olive was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Prince Edward Island’s Mature and Part-time University Students Association (MAPUS) (1982); the Seniors Active Living Centre Seniors (1993); the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island (1997); and the PEI Seniors' Safety Program in (1999).

As an OPSIMATH or lifelong learner Olive obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sociology 1984, master’s in education in 2009 and doctorate in philosophy in education in 2019 all from the University of Prince Edward Island. Her 2019 PhD dissertation, titled, Pioneers in Aging: Voices of women 85 years and older aging in place in rural communities, and 2009 Masters thesis titled, Driving cessation: Older women's experiences shows her passion for defending the best interests of older people. During the last year and a half of her PhD journey, Olive was the subject of a CBC Documentary called “Never Too Old”.

Dr. Bryanton received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2000; the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013; the Order of Prince Edward Island in 2020; and the Queen’s Platinum Medal in 2022

Olive Bryanton has been appointed as a member of the National Seniors Council for a term of three years, beginning December 15, 2022, and is actively involved with Canada’s technology and aging AGE-WELL Older Adults and Caregivers Advisory Committee (OACAC) since 2018.

Dr. Bryanton is currently working with Dr. William Montelpare engaging in a Post Doctoral Fellowship doing research for two non-profit organizations who are developing a veterans success centre with a focus on women and diverse gendered veterans.

Intergenerational activities and travel are her passions.