How do we build a better future for seniors? Elderly populations around the world are growing. And in regions like Ontario, Canada, one in five seniors over the age of 80 have complex care needs that currently can only be safely met in long-term care. Yet Ontario has more than 40,000 people waiting for long-term care and the list is growing. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by three Ontario health system leaders from hospital, long-term care and community care: ·       Karli Farrow, President and CEO, Trillium Health Partners ·   Nitin Jain, President and CEO, Sienn ..read more

How can communities help more seniors to age in place? Canada’s urban areas are home to a large number of older adults, and more are choosing to live in apartment and condo buildings than ever before. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by a researcher and innovator on naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) in urban centres: Jen Recknagel, Senior Design Lead and Director of Innovation and Design, NORC Innovation Centre Paula Rochon, Founding Director of Women’s Age Lab at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto and Professor of Medicine and the Ontario Chair for the Retired Teach ..read more

How can jurisdictions work across sectors to ensure a better future for all of us as we age? Aging well is multifaceted and requires collaboration to develop and implement innovative and aligned solutions – such as local infrastructure, transportation, housing, health care and social services, education and more. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by two U.S. experts on aging services and multi-sector planning. Listen as they explore how states in the U.S. and their governments are leveraging master plans on aging that bring everyone to the table – local infrastructure, housing, health a ..read more

Are Baby Boomers preparing for their future healthcare needs? In four years, the oldest of the Baby Boom generation will turn 80. By 2040, the population over 80 will double and we know their complex care needs will grow. Until recently however, one of the missing pieces of information in conversations about future seniors’ care planning was how the Baby Boom generation is preparing for potential challenges as they age. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by David Coletto, Chairman and CEO of one of Canada’s leading polling and public opinion research firms: Abacus Data. With a caree ..read more

What does it take to become an accredited nurse in Canada? In a world where healthcare professionals are in high demand, nations are turning to internationally educated nurses to bridge the gap. In this episode, Donna Duncan invites two internationally educated nurses onto the podcast to share their journey from the Philippines to working in a long-term care home in northern Ontario, Canada. Episode guests: ·       Mc Leonarld Puno, Personal Support Worker, Extendicare Mapleview, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and nursing student, Sault College ·   Nanette Garcia, Registered P ..read more

As the first of the Baby Boomers soon turn 80, how can technology enhance their lives and help them stay home? Finding the right tools, that make life simpler and easier, is key.   In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Mike Agerbo, a digital living expert and family caregiver. For nearly 20 years, as a radio, TV and podcast host, Mike has been reporting on breaking news, testing gadgets, and making technology easier to understand – and live with. Mike shares a wealth of knowledge about the technologies that are out there today. How to find them, and most importantly, how to use them ..read more

How will Canadians balance their caregiving duties with their jobs? As the first of the baby boomers soon turn 80, we expect a growing number of employees in workplaces across Canada with caregiving responsibilities.  In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by a panel of experts discussing elder caregiving and the modern workplace. Listen as they explore the growing trends and implications for employers and for Canadians balancing caring for their elderly loved ones with careers and workplace commitments. As more Canadians find themselves navigating caregiving responsibilities, let’s dis ..read more

What sage advice for seniors’ care can we learn from others around the world? The cultural frameworks in which we live, work and age guide how we innovate – as governments, communities, and care providers. Stepping out of our own culture and systems, and exploring others, can open our eyes in ways we never expected. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Judy Martin, Australian aged care industry leader, Executive Lead for the SAGE Study Tours program and Senior Executive at ANCHOR Excellence. Judy has led 45 educational tours in over 15 countries to learn how they innovate and care for t ..read more

As baby boomers age, a significant demographic shift is underway. By 2040, the population over 80 will double. But here’s the thing, our perceptions of aging and innovations for seniors’ care have not kept pace. Let’s change the conversation. Join us for Season 3 of Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population, coming this September. Subscribe now ..read more

In this episode, Donna is joined by Ashton Applewhite, an anti-ageism advocate, speaker and the author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism” and the blog “Yo, Is this Ageist?” Ashton is a writer, an activist, and an internationally recognized expert on ageism who was recently named one of “50 leaders around transforming the world into a better place to grow old” by the Decade of Healthy Ageing platform, a collaboration between the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Ashton has become a leading spokesperson for raising awareness of ageism i ..read more