Technology

Fifteen Canadian startups have been chosen to compete in this year’s AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge, according to an announcement from AGE-WELL on May 28. Finalists will be challenged to explain how their technology-based solution can positively impact older Canadians or their caregivers. Five finalists will compete in each of three virtual events reflecting the broad spectrum of innovation that exists in...

Social isolation presents practical challenges for many older adults living at home, especially those who are cut off from the helping hands of others under the recent COVID-19 measures. Stairs can be a big problem. There’s the strain of carrying everyday items like groceries or laundry baskets up and down even short flights of steps—and the risk of falling. A...

A computerized tomography scan (CT scan for short) uses three-dimensional X-ray technology to create cross-sectional pictures of a patient’s bones, blood vessels and soft tissues. A cardiologist may recommend a scan to detect or monitor a disease or condition of the heart, inform an upcoming procedure or surgery, detect internal injuries, or evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments. Doctors at...

Jayiesh (Jay) Singh was 15 years old when he started volunteering at the long-term care facility where his mother worked. “I got a lot of fulfillment out of it, but I also saw the human side of aging,” he says. In particular, Singh saw the frustrations facing older adults who require help getting in and out of a bed or...

Many of us expect that the quality of our vision will change as we grow older. We're more likely to need reading glasses and face the potential of developing a variety of troublesome eye ailments. One of the most common is dry eye disease. “Dry eye is a condition that occurs when either the quality or quantity of tears is...

The number of knee replacement surgeries performed in Canada keeps rising as our population ages—even if many are being postponed during the COVID-19 crisis. Surgeons have perfected the procedure but research show that 80 percent of older adults don’t follow through on their rehab. Physiotherapist Nirtal Shah has seen this in his 15 years at the University of Toronto’s David...

AGE-WELL NCE Inc. (Aging Gracefully across Environments using Technology to Support Wellness, Engagement and Long Life) welcomes today’s announcement that AGE-WELL’s funding has been renewed through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program to the end of fiscal year 2022-2023. AGE-WELL will receive $21.9 million over three years—a significant investment that will help Canada respond to the needs...

If you’ve been ignoring your tired, achy or swollen legs because you’re worried compression stockings will make you look frumpy, it’s time to update your thinking. In terms of fashion and feel, they have come a long way. Thirty or 40 years ago, compression stockings “were not the prettiest, not the most comfortable the materials weren't as good,” acknowledges...

More than six million Canadians live with arthritis. It can occur at any age, but the likelihood increases with age. It can be painful and debilitating because it causes inflammation of joints and surrounding tissues.1 It can affect any part of the body; however, the most common areas are the hip, knee, spine or fingers.2 There are many different types...

Aside from trips to the grocery store or doctor’s office, COVID-19 has confined many Canadians to their homes. A staple of daily life – human interaction – has been greatly diminished. But for older adults, social isolation can be a daily challenge, regardless of the pandemic. Over time this can affect mental and physical health. Charlene Nadalin with her mother...