Healthy Aging & Connected Living by Karthik

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Healthy Aging & Connected Living

AGE-WELL is bringing everyone together to deliver technology-based solutions that support healthy aging, while driving forward Canada’s AgeTech sector. Read more on page 2, and visit agewell-nce.ca.

Q&A WITH JANN ARDEN

Empowerment, Fulfillment, and Health in Aging We chatted with multi-platinum award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and author Jann Arden on empowerment, health, and aging. Arden recently announced the forthcoming release of her 15th studio album, Descendant, arriving January 28, 2022, via Universal Music Canada.

After discussing feeling empowered in aging in your book, what advice can you give to those seeking that fulfillment and joy? This may seem like a simple thing but walking every day is going to change your outlook on everything. Movement is life. We’re all overwhelmed with these crazy workout videos and joining gyms and all of that stuff that seems so t ime - con su m ing. Just go for a walk. Keep moving. Feed yourself good food. Of course, have fun with it all, but make sure you’re getting nutritious things going into your diet, There are a million suggestions for easy, fast, plant-based meals online. I mean like 15 minutes and you’re ready to eat.

up late anymore, and I feel so much better. I have a routine that I adhere to, and my sleep is the best it’s been in a great many years. I take time to get proper rest. I try and go to bed at the same time every night when I can. When I’m on the road, I can still have a routine although it’s pushed to be quite a bit later when I’m touring. I drink a ton of herbal tea and I always make sure that I keep up with my walks!

This may seem like a simple thing but walking every day is going to change your outlook on everything. Movement is life.

In your busy life, what do you do to ensure that your health remains a priority? I became a plant-based eater five years ago and I also quit drinking alcohol. My life completely changed as you can imagine. I make sure that I take time to get ready for bed. I don’t stay

Produced by Bob Rock, Russell Broom, and Jann Arden, Descendant arrives as a 15-song collection representing the last 18 months of Arden’s life and headspace. A bold, beautiful, and empowering sound of Jann Arden, Descendant signifies a return to form for the multifaceted artist, reflecting on where she came from and where she’s headed. The first track, “Steady On,” is out now.

For more info, visit jannarden.com. Read the full version of Jann Arden’s Q&A at healthinsight.ca.

Access Is Everything: High-Tech and High-Touch Care Are Important for Older Adults

T Dr. Jane Barratt Secretary General, International Federation on Ageing

he ageing population has paid a high price in the C OV I D -1 9 p a n d e m i c . There’s an indelible mark on the future of global preparedness for infectious diseases, so much so, that the United Nation’s Decade of Healthy Ageing through “The Platform”, is calling for knowledge to be shared to be better prepared for unexpected circumstances like a lockdown. Residents of aged care facilities, and many of those who have endured repeated lockdowns in their homes with community support, now live in fear and anxiety. Technology continues to play a significant and positive role in the agedcare space. It has been adopted to assess

the needs of older people, promote independent living, reduce social isolation, and increase social connection. It has also helped to reduce the risk of falling, to manage chronic disease, improve medication management, and support people with cognitive challenges. In the spectrum smart homes, home networking has been used for more than a decade to introduce the concept of networking devices and equipment in the home. This is an optimal model of “ageing in place” and central to the long-term care continuum — facilitating better standards of care in residential care settings and consumer-direct care. Yet, only recently have projects with smart technology in the houses of older people been realized or started.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a propellant accelerating the adoption of devices, models, and digitalization — undoubtedly faster than might have otherwise occurred — some can get left behind. COVID19 has shown that digital access at home and in facilities is now equally critical to our capacity and quality of life. However, it’s important to also remember that high-tech solutions aren’t a substitute for personal attention and care, otherwise known as high-touch. Despite the rapid and evolving introduction of digital technology the past year has laid, gaps in access remain and personal care should work in conjunction with digitized solutions.

To learn more, visit ifa.ngo. This article was supported by International Federation on Ageing.

Publisher: Nicole Kansakar Business Development Manager: Melanie Kosev Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Content and Production Manager: Raymond Fan Designers: Kylie Armishaw Content and Web Editor: Karthik Talwar All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The Toronto Star or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.

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AgeTech Is Empowering Older Canadians to Stay Independent, Healthy, and Engaged AGE-WELL, Canada’s technology and aging network, accelerates the delivery of technologies that benefit older adults and caregivers. Abigail Cukier

A P H OTO C R ED I T: J O H N H RY N I U K

fter a massive stroke in 2008, Paul Lea was diagno s e d w it h va s c u la r dementia. Today, he lives independently, spends time with his friends and his daughter, writes, and does public speaking as an advocate for people with dementia. He credits technology with helping him to continue to “live well.” Lea, 69, says that due to short-term memory issues, he would sometimes forget to take his medications. These days, it’s a lot easier, thanks to a new app, MAXminder™, which reminds older adults with mild cognitive impairment to take their medications and assists with scheduling daily activities. The app is coming Paul Lea to market with support from AGE-WELL, a federally-funded Network of Centres of Excellence. For the last six years, AGE-WELL has served as a catalyst for technological innovation that supports healthy aging, while propelling forward Canada’s AgeTech sector. AGE-W ELL includes more than 250 researchers at 46 universities and research centres across Canada, over 1,000 trainees, and more than 400 industry, government, and non-profit partners. Approximately 5,000 older adults and caregivers are involved. AGE-WELL supports 56 Canadian startups that are commercializing and launching AgeTech products. Lea was among the first users of the MAXminderTM app, developed by researchers Dr. Jeff Jutai and Dinis Cabral, CEO of JLG Solutions. Lea pro-

I live well because of technology, which allows me to continue to do things I enjoy and that are important to me.

vided feedback while MAX was in development. He especially loves the pop-up notifications that remind him to take his 11 medications at different times throughout the day. Lea also uses the app to remind him to eat lunch, which is especially important because he has diabetes. His daughter has the app, too. It provides her with information on how Lea is doing, connecting her to his scheduling and medication routine.

AgeTech is essential to the future of aging “It’s really helpful for me and I think it would help any senior who may forget sometimes to take their medication,” says Lea, who also has a virtual home assistant. “I live well because of technology, which allows me to continue to do things I enjoy and that are important to me.” To support older adults like Lea, AGE-WELL brings everyone together to solidify Canada’s leadership in AgeTech — benefiting seniors and caregivers, and contributing to Canada’s economic recovery. Bridgette Murphy, Managing Director and COO of AGE-WELL, says that the COVID-19 crisis has “significantly increased” the use of many technologies and online services among older Canadians. “The pandemic has underscored the important role that technology can play in supporting older adults to stay independent, active, and connected,” says Murphy. “It has also highlighted gaps in care and services for older adults, where technology can make a big difference.”

Driving the growth of Canada’s AgeTech sector Across AGE-WELL, more than 120 tech-

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anadians today face challenges unlike any other generation before. You might have considered downsizing, or transferring to long-term care pre-pandemic. If you’re rethinking about your long-term housing and financial plans, you want the fairest and equitable option. Now there are flexible, honest ways to stay in the home you love — and empower you to live your dream life.

It’s harder than ever to save for the future

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Following the pandemic, aging in place has become a top priority for Canadians. Ninety-six percent of Canadians over the age of 55 plan to remain in their own homes for as long as possible versus downsizing or moving into long-term care. Given rising costs, inflation, and the average Canadian’s median savings at retirement sitting at $3,500 per month, many Canadians’ primary source of income after retirement now rests solely in their home. This change has highlighted new financial challenges, as most were

unprepared for the soaring costs of in-home care, home renovations and repairs, and the lack of capital that selling their home would have eventually freed up. Previously, Canadians chose to free up equity and grow retirement savings by downsizing, allowing them to live comfortably at home amongst loved ones. Yet, moving away from a place you love, family, and community can impact life quality, which in turn impacts life satisfaction. With expenses consistently increasing, inflation mounting and savings dwindling, finding ways to equitably fund your future are more vital than ever. Downsizing for retirees in Canada comes with high, unanticipated costs from land transfer taxes, renovation costs, commissions, and more. Retaining your home is not only more beneficial from a cost perspective, but it’s now preferred given how quickly home values appreciate in Canada. Make the most of your savings by tapping into your home for tax-free cash to cover today’s needs without monthly payments.

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nologies, services, p ol icie s , a nd pract ices a re in development — or already making a difference in people’s lives. These innovations include smart home sensors, remote therapies, virtual exercise programs, and systems that connect people. AgeTech solut ions ca n a lso enhance quality of life and safety for people who live in long-term care, and ease stresses on staff so they can spend more time one-on-one with residents. One example among many: a wearable device developed by Tenera Care that alerts staff if a resident falls or goes into the wrong room. Eight Cha llenge A reas drive AGE-WELL’s research and innovation in supporting older adults and caregivers, and achieving social and economic impact. AGE-WELL also applies itself to issues of equity, access, and affordability. Murphy says that the involvement of older adults and caregivers is key to ensuring that technologies are userfriendly and practical. “Everything we do starts with the needs of older adults and caregivers and co-developing a technology or service to meet that need,” she says. “It’s all geared toward supporting quality of life and independence, and helping older adults remain in the setting of their choice as long as possible and connected with health care providers, their community, and their loved ones.”

Bridgette Murphy Managing Director & COO, AGE-WELL

To learn more, visit agewell-nce.ca. This article was sponsored by AGE-WELL.

The securest way to stay in the home that you love Fraction helps homeowners age in place with complete financial security and without worrying about monthly mortgage payments. Our appreciation mortgage allows you to unlock up to 50 percent of your home’s value and has no monthly payments or repayment fees. Unlike a tradit iona l reverse mortgage, our terms are fair and favour the borrower. The Fraction Appreciation Mortgage rate is based on the appreciation of your home with a minimum and maximum rate. That means no matter the - Carlo S. market situation, you’re protected. We are a mutually beneficial product — we succeed when you succeed. “I’m so grateful for Fraction, it came right when I needed it. I didn’t have to wait till I was 55 years old, I am currently 50. They were helpful and quick, they answered all my questions quickly and in detail,” says Carlo S. We’re dedicated to helping homeowners feel confident about making the best financial choices possible by providing them with education, flexibility and the fairest solutions.

I’m so grateful for Fraction, it came right when I needed it. I didn’t have to wait till I was 55 years old, I am currently 50. They were helpful and quick, they answered all my questions quickly and in detail.

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Giving Older Canadians the Tools to Control and Live Their Best Lives Known for being a strong seniors’ advocacy group, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (C.A.R.P.) is increasingly providing its over 330,000 members with information, resources, and tools to achieve healthier aging. We spoke to Bill VanGorder, C.A.R.P.’s Chief Operating Officer, to learn more. Why is C.A.R.P. now adding more information, resources, and tools?

Bill VanGorder Chief Operating Officer, C.A.R.P.

Our members need it and want it. Older Canadians especially are realizing that not everything depends on government policies, which take a lot of time to change. We need to start doing things ourselves. Also, older Canadians today are much more energetic and proactive than in previous generations. They want to be in control and need the tools and resources to do that.

What kind of information is C.A.R.P. providing and how are you getting it across? We cover numerous topics related to healthy aging like sleep, pain management, and vaccines, and are communicating across every resource available. We’re finding that, with the pandemic, older Canadians have become much more familiar and com-

fortable with using online and digital resources. Our webinars, which we post afterwards on our website, attract as many as 3,000 people. We often bring in guest speakers to our national and local events and publish special reports that people can download.

What’s been the response of your members so far? They’ve been very enthusiastic. Our audience actively seeks out information and they always have many questions, both at the event itself and then online later, which we follow through on. We think we have credibility because we work with trusted experts to provide reliable resources.

How does this fit in with your work on policy advocacy? It’s totally consistent. We’re applying more focused pressure on

government, looking for shorter-term, concrete, and specific action, not just high-sounding, abstract policies. In the same way, this direct approach is what motivates the expansion of our services for information and tools. We want people to be able to understand so they can take action right now and make a difference.

How does this fit in with your work on providing member discounts? Again, it’s totally consistent. Our portfolio of close to 100 “MONEY YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU HAD” members-only discounts puts more cash in people’s pockets and addresses one of the most urgent needs that our members report, which is financial security amidst inflation and the rising cost of living. Being able to offer discounts is a direct action that C.A.R.P. provides that makes a difference right now.

To check out C.A.R.P.’s information and resources or become a member, visit carp.ca . This article was sponsored by C.A.R.P.

HEALTHY AGING REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE AND ACTION… AND C.A.R.P. CAN HELP! ARE THESE KEY STEPS ON YOUR LIST? They should be! Download our FREE Special Report today! SPECIAL REPORT

C.A.R.P.’s 350,000 members know that healthy aging isn’t just a matter of pushing for the right government policies and programs. It also depends on proactive steps they can – and do – take in their own lives. As never before, “older” Canadians are managing their own wellness, prevention, and healthy lifestyles.

5 THINGS TO DO FOR

HEALTHY AGING

C.A.R.P. provides many resources to help that process. Our educational webinars on Zoom attract thousands of people from across the country, bringing our audience up-to-date on the latest news with expert advice on topics such as adult vaccines, improved sleep, pain management and the hot new technologies for living in place. We also offer innovative health management apps, like C.A.R.P. Health 360. We’ve put together a SPECIAL REPORT, outlining 5 essential things you can and should do to promote healthy aging. You can download it FREE at CARP.ca/healthyliving. We’re doing all this because, in addition to our historically important role as an advocate to government, plus our non-stop commitment to delivering more members-only discounts, we understand we can play a big role as an information resource, giving you the tools you need to take control of your health and well-being. This free report, 5 Things To Do For Healthy Aging, is an example of how that role is growing – and one more good reason to join C.A.R.P. today!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT C.A.R.P.

Demanding more from government… and holding them accountable With 350,000 members, C.A.R.P. is Canada’s largest organization advocating for the rights and interests of Canadians as we age. And our advocacy is forceful and direct. We push for specific, measurable, immediate results and we don’t hesitate to call out incompetent governments, ministers, and bureaucrats. From health care to financial security, from living in place to anti-ageism, C.A.R.P. is your voice at every level of government. Find out more at CARP.ca/advocacy.

Helping you discover MONEY YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU HAD It’s always important to save money, but never more so than after the financial devastation of COVID-19. C.A.R.P. members can access a portfolio of almost 100 members-only discounts and value-added offers. From health to finance to travel and entertainment… this “money you didn’t know you had” easily adds up to hundreds, even thousands, of dollars of savings a year! See the full list at CARP.ca/member-benefits.

Connecting you right where you live C.A.R.P.’s Canada-wide network of local chapters enables you to meet like-minded people and make a difference in your community!

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