Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population
Ontario Long Term Care Association
By 2040, the population over 80 will more than double, but our perceptions of aging and plans for seniors’ care innovation have not kept pace.
Let’s change t...
Connection, housing and care: Redefining caring for older adults
How can we plan communities of care that work across diverse settings, while balancing the immediate needs of today’s older adults with planning for future generations? In this episode, we explore redefining seniors’ care. From balancing immediate needs with long-term planning to fostering models of care that prioritize connection, housing and care, this conversation highlights the power of bold ideas and local leadership. Listen as Donna Duncan sits down with Aimée Foreman, aging care advisor and CEO of Silvermark based in New Brunswick, Canada.Discover how a small province with big ideas is charting a path toward a better future for seniors. Resources:Tamarack Institute Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) in CanadainterRAI collaborative network of researchers and practitioners in over 35 countries committed to promoting evidence-informed clinical practice and policy decision-making In our discussion, Aimée mentions innovative models of care across Canada and around the world. Learn more about these programs:Nursing Home Without Walls initiative created in New Brunswick, now receiving support from Healthcare Excellence Canada to spread and scaleiGen Intergenerational Learning Classroom, a grade 6 classroom embedded into the Sherbrooke Community Centre in British ColumbiaThe Oromocto development project recently announced in New Brunswick that will be constructed with four households, 15 residents per household.Humanitas Deventer and their student live-in program in the NetherlandsThe Hogeweyk Dementia Village in the NetherlandsTrent University Integrated Seniors Village in partnership with peopleCare Communities development project (and listen to our podcast episode here)University of Calgary Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, StaffStat.
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50:51
Is care for seniors influencing how political parties are making decisions?
Elections are taking place around the world and across Canada. What are voters thinking and how is it informing how political parties are making decisions about healthcare and seniors’ care, including long-term care? This episode dives into these timely issues in two parts:Donna Duncan first sits down with David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, to explore voter behaviour and trends. Through polling insights, they unpack how aging demographics and voter intentions are shaping the political landscape.Then, she moderates a panel discussion with senior political strategists Ginny Roth, Gurratan Singh, and Dan Moulton from Crestview Strategy. Offering perspectives across Canada’s major political parties, they discuss the role of seniors’ care in election platforms and how to make this issue politically relevant. In a world of polarized politics, this episode uncovers common ground and offers insights that extend across Canada and beyond. Whether you’re in Canada or abroad, the conversation provides a lens on how aging populations can influence elections and what that means for the future of seniors’ care. Resources:Getting ready for the aging Baby Boom generation: a survey This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.
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53:52
Aging and social care’s evolving landscape in the UK
What can the United Kingdom teach us about rethinking aging and social care?In a world that's becoming more interconnected, there's an increasing focus on sharing insights and challenging one another to find innovative solutions for the future of care and reimagining what aging and social care can look like.In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with two inspiring voices:Professor Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum Dr. Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish CareThey discuss the evolving landscape of aging and social care in the United Kingdom. They also explore how collaboration, technology, and person-centered approaches are shaping the future of social care, and the unique lessons we can learn from the UK.With thought-provoking insights, Vic and Donald share valuable perspectives on creating a compassionate and sustainable system that meets the needs of aging populations everywhere.Conversations like this one are part of a global dialogue where we connect across systems, embrace technology, and push for flexible, forward-thinking approaches.Resources: Podcast: Donald Macaskill Shares from his weekly blog The Global Ageing NetworkThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
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45:47
Honest aging
When you hear "normal aging," what comes to mind? For many, the concept is clouded by misconceptions and fears about the years ahead. But what if we could embrace aging as a natural, even empowering part of life?In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, geriatrician and author of Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life, to get real about the realities—and the benefits—of aging. They’ll discuss common myths, the surprising ways frailty is misunderstood, and how adapting to life’s later chapters can create a meaningful, fulfilling new normal. With evidence-based insights, Dr. Leipzig shares compelling advice for individuals, caregivers, healthcare workers, policymakers, and society as a whole on thriving through every stage of life.Resources: Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life by Dr. Rosanne Leipzig Aging 101 tips, myth busters and exercises Learn about the art and life of Grandma Moses Tip sheet: The 5 Ms of Geriatrics This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.
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49:35
How to have essential conversations about aging and care
How do we talk with our aging parents about their health, care needs, and life transitions?More and more of us are entering a phase of life we didn’t quite anticipate—caring for our aging parents. As Canada's population ages, it’s becoming crucial for families to plan ahead and have open, honest conversations about aging and future care needs. Whether in our 30s or 70s, many of us are left asking: Where do we begin?In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with Laura Tamblyn Watts, author of Let’s Talk about Aging Parents and CEO of CanAge. They discuss practical strategies for navigating these conversations, from managing home care and addressing financial planning to approaching more sensitive topics like downsizing and considering long-term care.The theme is simple: Prepare now, before hard choices must be made later under great stress.Resources: Let’s Talk About Aging Parents by Laura Tamblyn WattsThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
About Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population
By 2040, the population over 80 will more than double, but our perceptions of aging and plans for seniors’ care innovation have not kept pace.
Let’s change the conversation.
Coming of Age features host Donna Duncan, CEO of the Ontario Long Term Care Association, in lively discussions with national and international experts on ageism and how to reimagine seniors’ care.
UK