AGE-WELL: supports aging across environments

Technology covers a wide spectrum of possibilities, and that’s exactly how Canada’s National Research Network, AGE_WELL wants it.

With a focus on older adults, AGE-WELL aims to create technologies and services that benefit all environments peopled by elders and their caregivers formal, and informal.

The goal is to help older Canadians maintain their independence, health and quality of life through accessible technologies that increase their safety and security, support their independent living, and enhance their social participation.

Launched in 2015 through the federally funded Networks of Centres of Excellence AGE-WELL ‘technology’ solutions covers a wide spectrum:

• artificial intelligence (AI),
• e-health,
• information communication technologies (ICTs)
• mobile technologies

To make this happen, AGE-WELL works with a pan-Canadian network of industry, non-profit organizations, government, care providers, caregivers, end-users, and academic partners.

TAGlab’s: Ron Baecker along with Dr  Sandra Black, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre lead one AGE-WELL’s projects:

Connect-Tech: Promoting Social Connectedness through New and Innovative Communications Platforms:

Research indicates that as many as 43% of older adults living in the community feel socially isolated. The negative effects are well documented: depression, stress, functional decline and death. The goal of this project is to design, create, test and where possible bring to the commercial market new communication technologies for older adults. This project will answer the essential question: can these technologies be helpful in reducing older adults’ feelings of isolation.

AGE-WELL EPIC training: Innovators of Tomorrow Certificate

Another component of AGE-WELL  is training.

Successful candidates will develop skills, ideas, teamwork, and relationship-building that are the building blocks of a successful career. Experiential learning opportunities include:

• courses,
• workshops
• collaboration,
• mentorship
• multi-disciplinary research environments
• industry, and community partners.

Input from seniors and caregivers

The AGE-WELL Network strives to create real-world solutions that will make a meaningful impact on the lives of Canadian seniors and caregivers. With the trend toward patient involvement in all aspects of health innovation, AGE-WELL acknowledges:

success depends on the active engagement and participation of the people who will actually use the technologies and services developed through our research.

Seniors and caregivers who are interested in contributing to AGE-WELL activities are invited to join the AGE-WELL community. Members will receive regular updates about Network activities, including opportunities to participate in research projects, attend Network events and forums for discussion about healthy aging and technology.

Sign up to join the AGE-WELL community!

A sampling of the world of AGE-WELL possibilities.

Innovation Centre for Healthy Aging, British Columbia