Technology and Ageing

Many groups want to help seniors and to help they focus on the general issue of technology and aging. We’re all familiar with aging, and with luck, we’ll all continue to experience aging for many years. However, we’re likely also familiar with some of the negative aspects of aging, such as poorer vision and hearing, less easy movement, and so on.

Like aging, technology has its good and bad aspects. On the good side, technology has made it possible for more people to do more things more easily. For example, it’s easier to make a phone call to a relative in another country than it is to go there personally, or even to send a letter. If you use a computer, sending an e-mail may be easier than making a phone call, and is likely less expensive; it’s certainly faster and less expensive than sending a telegram, the first version of e-mail. However, technology can also be frustrating, as you may know, if you’ve tried to learn a new program on your computer. Technology can help us maintain our independence,  and think about devices such as glucose meters, cell phones, home monitoring, etc. So, let us look at the concerns raised by the focus group of 212 seniors from four provinces in Canada. We will offer ideas on how technology can help with the issues raised.

Maintaining good health and managing illnesses are vital for seniors to remain independent.

1. Telehealth platforms enable seniors to consult with healthcare professionals without leaving their homes. This can help manage chronic conditions and provide quick access to medical advice, reducing the need for hospital visits. Here is a quick link to the best platforms in Canada https://www.syscreations.com/best-telehealth-telemedicine-apps-in-ontario-canada-experts-tips/

2.  Medication Tracker Apps can remind seniors to take their medications on time and track their usage. This helps in managing prescriptions accurately, reducing health risks associated with missed doses. Here is a link to ten of the best apps https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/drugs/medication-tracker-apps/

Mobility issues can severely impact a senior's ability to live independently.

1. Mobility Assistance Devices: Technology such as electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters can help seniors move around their homes and communities more easily, enhancing their independence.

2. Home Automation Systems: Smart home devices like Amazon Echo or Google Nest can control lights, thermostats, and security systems via voice commands, reducing the need for physical movement.

Financial stability is crucial for seniors to maintain their independence.

1. Budgeting Apps: There are many apps out there that claim to help. Rob Berger who is a Contributing Editor for Forbes Advisor, host of the Financial Freedom Show, and the author of Retire Before Mom and Dad--The Simple Numbers Behind a Lifetime of Financial Freedom has created a list of Apps that can help seniors manage their finances by tracking expenses, creating budgets, and providing financial advice. Here is his link: https://robberger.com/

2. Online Banking Services: Banks offer online services that allow seniors to manage their accounts, pay bills, and transfer money without needing to visit a branch. Check with your financial institution to get help to go online.

Losing the ability to drive can limit seniors' independence and access to necessary services.

1. Ride-Sharing Apps: Services like Uber and Lyft can provide convenient transportation options for seniors who are no longer able to drive.

2. Grocery Delivery Services: Apps like Instacart can deliver groceries directly to seniors' homes, ensuring they have access to food without needing to travel.

Memory issues and dementia can hinder a senior's ability to live independently.

1. Reminder Apps: Apps like Google Keep or Remember The Milk can set reminders for daily tasks, appointments, and medications, helping seniors keep track of important activities.

2. GPS Tracking Devices: Wearable GPS devices like AngelSense can help caregivers monitor the location of seniors with dementia, ensuring their safety if they wander or get lost.

Finding affordable housing options is a significant concern for many seniors.

1. Housing Search Platforms: Websites like A Place for Mom can help seniors and their families find affordable retirement homes and senior living communities that match their needs and budget.

2. Home-Sharing Apps: Platforms like Silvernest connect seniors with compatible housemates, reducing housing costs and providing companionship.

Seniors often strive to remain independent without relying on others.

1. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Devices like Life Alert allow seniors to call for help in emergencies with the push of a button, providing a safety net without constant assistance from others.

2. Virtual Assistants: Smart speakers with virtual assistants like Alexa can help with daily tasks, answer questions, and provide reminders, supporting independent living.

Safety concerns can impact a senior's ability to live independently.

1. Home Security Systems: Smart security systems like Ring provide video doorbells, cameras, and alarms that can be monitored via smartphone, enhancing home security.

2. Community Alert Apps: Apps like Nextdoor keep seniors informed about local crime and safety alerts, fostering a sense of community and security.

Hearing and vision loss can pose significant challenges to independent living.

1. Hearing Aid Technology: Advanced hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity, such as those from Phonak, improve hearing and can connect to phones and other devices for easier communication.

2. Vision Assistance Apps: Apps like Be My Eyes connect visually impaired seniors with volunteers for assistance with everyday tasks via video call.

Weather/Ice

1. Weather Alert Apps: Apps like The Weather Channel provide real-time weather updates and alerts, helping seniors plan their activities around safe conditions.

2. Home Maintenance Services: Apps like TaskRabbit can connect seniors with local handymen to clear ice and snow, ensuring safe access to their homes.

Losing a partner can impact both emotional well-being and financial stability.

1. Social Connection Apps: Apps like Silvernest can match seniors with housemates, providing companionship and shared living costs.

2. Grief Support Online Communities: Websites like GriefShare offer support groups and resources to help seniors cope with the loss of a partner.

Fear of new experiences can limit a senior's independence and quality of life.

1. Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera offer courses that can help seniors gain new skills and confidence from the safety of their homes.

2. Virtual Reality Experiences: VR technology, such as Oculus, can provide safe and engaging experiences that encourage seniors to try new activities and stay mentally active.

Negative attitudes can affect a senior's self-esteem and independence.

1. Social Networking for Seniors: Platforms like Stitch provide a community for seniors to connect, share experiences, and support each other in maintaining independence.

2. Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the AARP offer resources and advocacy to combat ageism and promote senior independence.

An expert panel weighs in on Ageing in Place

In the weeks since I last posted on a personal plan for ageing in place, the government of Canada put out a report by an expert panel called Final Report of the Expert Panel, Supporting Canadians Aging at Home: Ensuring Quality of Life as We Age. As we age in place, it is a good idea to see what the experts expect the government to do.  

On October 6, 2022, the Minister of Seniors and Minister of Health announced that the National Seniors Council (the Council) would serve as the Expert Panel on Supporting Canadians Aging at Home (the Expert Panel). The Expert Panel was asked to examine measures, potentially including an aging at home benefit, that could further support older persons in Canada to age at home.

The Expert Panel believes that given national and international demographic trends, the 3 main areas of focus should be:

•           financial benefits focusing on low-income older persons (often women). See recommendations #1, #3 and #9

•           community-based support and services. See recommendations #10 and #11

•           planning for aging, retirement, and life in later years. See recommendations #2 and #7

Strengthening governance and accountability will be important complementary measures to ensure quality of life as we age in Canada. This can be achieved by adopting relevant legislation, regulations, standards, governance, and accountability. See recommendations #16, #17, and #18.

  

These 20 recommendations for immediate action support the broader, long-term outcomes pursued by the federal government. Implementing these recommendations will help older persons to age at home and achieve and/or maintain their quality of life.

 

Aligned to the 5 domains of the Quality-of-Life Framework for Aging in Canada and to the 4 priority policy pillars (4As).

 

Prosperity (Priority Pillars: Availability, Accessibility and Affordability)

 

1.      Introduce a new Age at Home Benefit

2.      Establish a public national insurance program for home care and support

3.      Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

4.      Expand, modify eligibility criteria, and promote existing programs that provide housing for older persons

5.      Convert the Canada Caregiver Credit into a refundable tax-free benefit, allowing all caregivers to receive up to $1,250 a year

 

Health (Priority Pillars: Availability, Accessibility and Affordability)

 

6.      Develop a strategy for recruitment and retention of human resources to support aging at home

7.      Focus on disease prevention and health promotion

8.      Enhance palliative care at home

 

Society (Priority Pillars: Availability, Accessibility and Affordability)

 

9.      Support innovation with affordable housing alternatives for older persons

10.  Invest in new and existing navigation and social prescribing initiatives

11.  Expand existing grants and contributions programs to include longer-term funding options

12.  Invest in organizations that support caregivers

 

Environment (Priority Pillars: Availability, Accessibility and Affordability)

 

13.  Invest in technology and digital literacy and further invest in innovation in technology

14.  Expand support for Age-Friendly Communities

15.  Invest in safe, local public transportation services

Good Governance (Priority Pillar: Accountability)

 

16.  Enact legislation on home care (within the Canada Health Act or new legislation)

17.  Enact legislation on long-term care

18.  Support the development of national home care standards

19.  Increase prevention of mistreatment of older persons

20.  Actively engage in discussions at the United Nations regarding the potential development of a convention on the rights of older persons

 

Family: A Pillar of Modern Retirement

Family relationships are a cornerstone of fulfillment for most retirees. These connections provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging, making them essential for overall well-being. For many Canadians today, the concept of family extends beyond blood relatives to include “families of affinity,” which encompass close friends and chosen family members who offer the same level of support and connection.

Generational generosity is a defining characteristic of today's retirees. Many are willing to go to great lengths, both personally and financially, to support family members in need. This support can take many forms, such as helping with childcare, providing financial assistance, or offering a listening ear during challenging times. Retirees often prioritize their family's well-being, even if it means sacrificing their own financial security.

Family members provide a network of love and care, helping retirees navigate the ups and downs of life. This support can significantly enhance emotional well-being, reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

Regular interactions with family members combat social isolation, promoting mental and emotional health. Shared activities and celebrations create lasting memories and a sense of belonging.

Family members often assist with daily tasks, medical appointments, and home maintenance, helping retirees maintain their independence and quality of life.

Retirees frequently step in to help family members financially, whether through direct assistance or by contributing to education costs, home purchases, or other significant expenses.

Retirees without close family or friends face greater risks of physical and social isolation, which can lead to a decline in both mental and physical health. Isolation can increase the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, making it crucial to foster and maintain strong social connections.

To help retirees build and maintain strong family relationships, encourage regular communication: including regular phone calls, video chats, and visits. These can help maintain strong bonds, even if family members live far apart. Encouraging retirees to stay connected with their loved ones can reduce feelings of isolation.

Promoting family involvement in care by involving family members in the care and decision-making process for retirees can strengthen relationships and ensure that retirees feel supported and valued.

Activities that bring different generations together can create meaningful interactions and enhance understanding between family members. This can include family outings, holiday celebrations, and shared hobbies.

Community centers and senior organizations often offer programs and events designed to foster social connections and support. These resources can be particularly valuable for retirees who may not have close family nearby.

For retirees without close blood relatives, forming bonds with friends and community members can provide similar benefits. Encouraging participation in social groups, clubs, and volunteer activities can help retirees build these valuable connections.

While supporting family members is a priority for many retirees, it is essential to balance this generosity with personal financial security. Clearly defining how much financial support you can provide without compromising your own needs is crucial. Communicating these boundaries to family members can prevent misunderstandings and financial strain.

Consulting with a financial advisor can help retirees create a plan that allows them to support their families while ensuring their financial security. Advisors can offer guidance on budgeting, investments, and long-term financial planning.

Financial assistance is just one way to support family members. Offering time, advice, and emotional support can be equally valuable and less financially burdensome.

Family relationships are a vital pillar of modern retirement, providing emotional nourishment, companionship, and practical support. By fostering strong family bonds and balancing generational generosity with personal financial security, retirees can enjoy a fulfilling and enriched retirement. Encouraging open communication and leveraging community resources can further support retirees in building and maintaining these essential connection

The Four Pillars of Modern Retirement

A study by Age Wave and Edward Jones reveals that more than ever before, retirement is not merely a destination or an endpoint. It begins a new journey with twists, turns, possibilities, and questions. This study highlights our remarkable resilience in facing life’s challenges.

We are one of the fastest-growing population groups in Canada. In my province, it is estimated that around a quarter of us will be over 65 by 2036, and the oldest baby boomers will be 90 years old. We are living longer, and within the next decade, more people will be 65 and older than at any other time in our history.

Ageing today is vastly different than in the past due to advances in health and medicine, which result in a better quality of life and increased life expectancy. Most of us remain in relatively good health and will not need long-term care or develop dementia. However, the impacts of aging vary widely because we are a diverse group, each shaped by unique life experiences, needs, culture, health, language, and abilities.

At some point in our lives, we will all face the inevitable changes that come with ageing—whether caring for an ailing spouse or parent, helping a senior at home, or figuring out how to support a senior while managing our own family and work. Our greatest challenge and opportunity is to ensure our health, social, and financial support systems meet the needs and demands of not only our ageing population but all British Columbians as they age.

We overwhelmingly want to remain living independently in our own homes for as long as possible. The term "ageing in place" refers to having the health and social support needed to live safely and independently at home as we grow older. But how does society help seniors remain independent at home? Are we experiencing difficulties and barriers in getting the help we need? While the goal of aging in place is to support a higher quality of life, there are major obstacles, such as fragmentation between the healthcare and social support systems, that make it difficult for many of us to get the care and services we depend on. Many of us are also subjected to negative attitudes and beliefs about older people, including age discrimination and social exclusion, which assume that we are incapable of making our own decisions. While the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living have significantly impacted services for seniors, we must focus on closing the gaps to ensure all of us, regardless of where we live in the province, receive equitable support in our own communities.

For some, retirement is becoming an exciting and fulfilling stage of life full of new choices, freedoms, and challenges. While some see retirement as a time for rest and relaxation, the majority view it as a whole new chapter of life. Retirees have freedom from many work and family responsibilities, and the freedom to explore new options and pursue new interests.

With the experience and perspective that come with age, we are eager to explore and reinvent ourselves by trying new things, forming new relationships, discovering new purposes, and even becoming better versions of ourselves. Nine in ten of us agree that you’re never too old to achieve your dreams. For most, the new retirement is also a time of happiness and contentment. Although these qualities tend to dip in middle age, they rise to new peaks as we age.

Importantly, the new retirement no longer means the end of work but rather having greater freedom to choose whether and how much one wants to work. More of us are working on our own terms, often with renewed purpose. One-third of those planning to retire are interested in working in some capacity during retirement. Workers over the age 65 are significantly more likely to say they are working out of choice rather than necessity.

What makes today’s retirement "new"? Increasing longevity means more people are experiencing longer retirements, making this stage of life more significant than ever. Two-thirds of all the people who have ever lived past the age of 65 in the entire history of the world are alive today. As my cohort, the outsized Baby Boom generation moves into retirement (about half of Boomers are already retired), we are swelling the ranks and the economic, social, and political weight of retirees. However, it’s not just the massive size of the Boomer generation that is changing the face of retirement; it’s our attitudes and aspirations. Most have seen our grandparents and parents living relatively low-key retirements, and we want to be more active, engaged, exploratory, and purposeful in retirement. The study and report reveal the four key ingredients for living well in the new retirement. These ingredients are the four pillars: health, family, purpose and finances and we will examine them over the next few posts.

What is healthy ageing?

There was a study from the 1980s that concluded there are three main factors to successful aging. 1) Being free of disability or disease; 2) having high cognitive and physical abilities, and 3) interacting with others in meaningful ways. But another definition of successful aging may involve the simple fact of reaching old age . . . because a lot of people, sometimes very successful people, don't get there, due to bad habits, bad luck, or bad genes. So, I guess those of us who have made it to or seventies can congratulate ourselves. By one measure anyway, we are successful agers!

The three factors mentioned in the old study seem to be reasonable and are still relevant today. However, the additional point that simply reaching old age can be considered a measure of successful aging is also valid.

However, research has found that we do lose our ability to remember things. We cannot remember random numbers as easily as younger people. However, we are better at focusing on crucial information, and we do remember the important things. Cicero said, "I've never heard of an old man who forgot where he buried his treasure", which reinforces the idea that memory loss may not be as significant as we think.

Diet and exercise are also important, don’t worry about specific miracle foods or extreme exercise routines, you can stay healthy by eating a standard healthy diet and walking. 

In terms of keeping our minds sharp, it's not so much what we do as learning something new. Learning something new to keep the mind sharp is also important to healthy ageing.  If you've been doing crossword puzzles all your life, doing more crossword puzzles will not improve your mental facility. The secret is to learn something new -- how to paint, how to play the piano, how to speak a foreign language. On the other hand, if you already play the piano, but don't do crossword puzzles, then starting to do crossword puzzles could be helpful.

Reading improves social skills, which is important for staying healthy and alert. Reading keeps our minds sharp, regardless of how much we've been reading before. And curiously, even though reading is a solitary activity, somehow it also improves our social skills. And we all know that having an active social life helps us stay healthy and alert. So maybe joining a book club is the answer.

Brain Habits 2

 We know that a bad diet and a perpetual indentation on the couch aren’t good for you or your brain. Work on the good habits and get rid of some of your bad habits to help your brain stay healthy.

Bad Habits to overcome:

Quality sleep is lacking. Consistency is one important marker of good quality sleep: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Shift work, changing time zones, chronic stress and too much caffeine or alcohol can all throw off your rhythm. So, too, can sleeping in a room that’s not cool or dark enough. And if you have symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring or daytime sleepiness, see a doctor. Getting a good night’s sleep is a good habit but we also need quality sleep to help our brain.

Turn down the Mic. If it’s bad for your ears, it could very well be bad for your brain. In a study of 639 adults ages 36 to 90, mild hearing loss was associated with a nearly twofold likelihood of dementia.  As a rule, if someone else can hear sound from your earbuds, they’re too loud so, turn them down.

Monitor your use of medicines. A wide array of drugs, including tricyclic antidepressants, some overactive bladder medications, and some over-the-counter antihistamines can block the actions of acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for learning and memory. A study found that a higher cumulative use of these drugs was associated with increased incidence of dementia. If you regularly take a number of these, it makes sense to ask your doctor about the risk of anticholinergics and to discuss whether you should explore alternate medications or other options.

You don’t have a sense of purpose. When we’re younger, it seems like everyone was relying on us. But when we get older, freedom from those responsibilities can have a darker side. Having a reason to get up in the morning, knowing that people are depending upon you, feeling that you are making important contributions can contribute to healthy aging. Researchers at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago found an association in people who scored high on a purpose-in-life assessment: They were approximately 2.4 times more likely to remain Alzheimer’s-free than those with low scores. 

If you’re feeling a distinct lack of purpose, do your brain a favor by embracing some new responsibilities. Find a new opportunity by using the time and energy not spent on child-rearing or working to get a pet, explore a passion project, volunteer, or travel.

You do not floss. Do you roll your eyes when your dentist tells you to floss? A 2022 study found that poor periodontal health and tooth loss appear to increase the risk of both cognitive decline and dementia. The Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes per session, flossing daily, limiting sugary beverages and snacks, and keeping up with dentist appointments.

Cut back on the Booze. Even light to moderate drinking can cause reduced brain volume, according to a 2022 study by the University of Pennsylvania. The researchers found that half a beer per day was enough to trigger these changes — and that the link grew stronger the greater the level of alcohol consumption. So, a 50-year-old who went from one drink a day to two experienced associated changes in the brain equivalent to aging two years. And increasing from two to three drinks at that age was like aging the brain by three and a half years. Cutting back on alcohol is a smart strategy for brain health, try it.

Healthy Brain habits 1

What habits are good for the brain?

Exercise regularly. Stay physically active.  

Get plenty of sleep to help manage stress, sleep plays an important role in your brain health.

Eat a Mediterranean diet or any healthy diet.

Stay mentally active and find ways to stimulate your brain.

Remain socially involved.

Quit smoking.

Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

We know that a bad diet and a perpetual indentation on the couch aren’t good for you or your brain. Work on the good habits and get rid of some of your bad habits to help your brain stay healthy.

Bad Habits to overcome:

Dwelling on the negative. Pondering on hatreds, dislikes and destructive thoughts has been linked to a decline in cognition and memory in people older than 55. The study found that those who repeatedly dwelled on negative thoughts had more of the biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease.

From time to time, it is normal to engage in negative thinking, but this is a changeable behaviour. The next time you’re overtaken by negative thoughts, you do the following:

Make a list of five specific things that you are grateful for and focus on those.

Take some deep belly breaths, try a new task or change your focus to something in your environment.

When a negative thought pops up, greet it with “Hello,” 

Ignoring the science about vaccinations. It’s estimated that more than half of Americans blew off the flu shot during the 2021 flu season, and many people are hesitant about keeping up with COVID-19 boosters. But opting out of vaccinations may be a missed opportunity to keep your brain healthy.

A recent nationwide study of adults over 65 found that people who received at least one influenza vaccination were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Other researchers have found that people ages 65 to 75 who had received the pneumonia vaccination had a 25 to 30 percent reduction in their chance of developing Alzheimer’s.

A sweet tooth beckons.  I love having a tall glass of orange or other sweet fruit in the morning and many of us include a tall glass of orange juice for breakfast. A 2017 study associated sugary beverage consumption with poorer episodic memory as well as lower total brain volume and hippocampal volume. And 2022 research found that sugar-sweetened beverages like soft drinks, sweetened tea, fruit drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks were all significantly linked to declined cognitive function. It may be far better to eat whole fruits, not drink their juices. 

False economic thinking

 According to a report by the Senior Advocate of the one million seniors in BC, half live on $31,000 or less per year or between $1,700 to $2,500 per month. As we age, our ability to earn extra money through work declines. Pensions may not be indexed, with little flexibility for income growth. Unexpected health care or housing expenses may amount to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars leaving our lowest-income seniors living in poorly heated and maintained properties, without phone or internet, and further having to choose between buying proper food or needed medications, or in some cases, incontinence supplies. Living in these conditions leads to social isolation and a downward spiral of poor health, thereby creating further demands on our health care system.

I met a 94-year-old the other day and I asked him about his story. He told me of his time in the mines, his 8 books he has written and the fact he gave up his licence abut 20 years ago. He now relies on his E-Bike and his wife to drive him around. As we reach the age of 75 years, older adults gradually start giving up our drivers’ licenses and thus need alternative methods to visit health care and other business and services in our communities.

In British Columbia we had the privilege this year of celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the BC Old Age Pensioners Organization and the 75th Anniversary of the BC Government Retired Employees Association, reflecting the long and storied history of the advocacy by seniors groups for incomes sufficient to support a dignified retirement. At present we understand 250,000 Canadian seniors have greatly reduced incomes due to bankruptcies of companies such as Nortel and Sears and therefore increase the costs of other government programs such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement. By protecting pensions from bankruptcy, the government will save money.

Ageing in Place in Canada, thinking about health and staying connected

 Staying connected

Staying connected to friends, family and community provide many benefits as you age. Social connections with community members of all ages can support physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.

There are many ways to stay connected. These include having coffee with friends, joining support groups, taking part in recreational activities at your local seniors’ centre, taking general interest courses, working part-time or volunteering with a community program.

Staying healthy

Being active, eating well, and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of health problems and increase your energy levels.

For example, moderate, regular walking is low-cost, simple and one of the most popular ways to be physically active. It may also help you manage some health conditions.

Speak with your health care professional before starting an exercise program if you have health concerns or have been inactive for a while.

Good nutrition also helps to improve mental and physical well-being. Talk to your health care professional or a registered dietitian about how you can make sure your nutrition needs are being met.

•                    Am I eating well?

•                    Am I taking time to exercise regularly?

•                    Do I need to add more exercise to my daily routine?

•                    How can I safely stay active in different seasons (summer or winter)?

Ageing in Place in Canada, thinking about supports

 Thinking about supports

Some older adults find that they need some help with the day-to-day activities of living independently within their own homes.

The support and services people may need as they age will vary, as will the costs. Services and supports range from private (out-of-pocket) expenses to those offered through health care and social service systems.

When developing your plan to age in place, you should understand the supports and services you may need. Find out if they are available in your community and think about how much they will cost. A good place to start looking for information is at your local seniors’ centre or your health care provider.

Some assistance with support may be available through the government, but remember that not all seniors are eligible for all levels of assistance, and not all supports and services are covered or available in every community. Some services may be subsidized or there may be a cost involved, depending on your need and/or income. Your local seniors’ centre or health care provider can help you determine your eligibility for assistance.

•                    What supports and services are available in my community to help me with daily activities such as shopping, cleaning, yard care or snow shovelling?

•                    Where can I get help with bathing, grooming or other personal supports?

•                    How much will these services cost?

Ageing in Place on your terms

Ageing in place means having access to services and the health and social supports you need to live safely and independently in your home or your community for as long as you wish or are able. If you are a near senior or senior who is thinking about ageing in place and would like to know more about what you may need to do to prepare for your later years, this booklet is for you.

Thinking about the future and being prepared will help you to make the most of your later years and have more control over your decisions. Planning will give you the best chance to have a satisfying and positive experience as you age and will help you to age in place.

The Federal government create a booklet that includes a checklist to help you review your plan, if you have one, and to help you think about what you can do now to improve your life as you age. It is based on the experiences of people like you, who have shared their thoughts about planning and preparing for their older years. You can download this booklet by going online: publicentre.esdc.gc.ca

The booklet  is available on demand in multiple formats (large print, Braille, audio cassette, audio CD, e-text diskette, e-text CD, or DAISY), by contacting

1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105.

Thinking about what you would like your life to be like in 10, 15 or 20 years, and what you might be able to do now to give you more control over future changes, will help you to maintain your health and independence for as long as possible. Having a plan to age in place could prevent you from having to make hasty decisions in the future, especially when dealing with change resulting from a crisis.

Ageing in Place in Canada, thinking about being safe, caring for others

 Staying financially secure

Understanding and planning for future expenses and staying informed about available income sources will help you maintain your desired standard of living.

Income sources may include personal retirement savings and investments, private and public pension plans, and other financial assistance.

There are provincial and federal tax credits as well as income supplements available to eligible seniors. Additionally, many private and public services offer seniors discounts.

•                    What income will I need to maintain my desired standard of living as I age?

•                    Do I have a financial plan that includes a plan for addressing emergencies

•                    or possible out-of-pocket expenses to support my ability to age in place?

•                    What assistance and benefits are available to me?

•                    Am I receiving all the assistance and benefits that I may be eligible for?

Staying safe and free from abuse

Even though people of all ages experience fraud and abuse (including financial abuse), older adults may be particularly vulnerable.

There are many good sources of information available to help seniors learn to protect themselves from fraud and abuse.

Ask at your local library or seniors’ centre, or check online for further information.

Caring for others

Many of us take on a new responsibility as we age – the role of caregiver to a partner or family member.

Talk to your family and friends about your plans and wishes, and understand the plans and wishes of the people you care for.

Planning for your caregiving role and being aware of community health resources can help support you in this new role.

Caregiving can be stressful, but knowing where to get help and information can make it easier.  Where can I find more information about ageing in place?

•                    Learn about the programs and services to support ageing in place offered by your local, provincial or territorial government.

•                    Local seniors’ centres or public libraries can also help you find out about the services available in your community.

For more information related to seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca or your local Service Canada office.

Tech Enhanced Life

 I am a Longevity Explorer, and it is an interesting and exciting group. They are part of Tech-enhanced Life. This is a company that is exploring the future of aging and the intersection of aging and technology. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families

What We Do

We create insights for older adults (published on this website) — with an emphasis on pushing off the day at which getting older impedes living life to the full.  

We provide advisory services for companies — that want to develop products and services that older adults actually want, need, and will pay a premium for.  

We enable, and lead, the Longevity Explorers: a unique sharing, evaluation, and ideation community—made up of older adults (in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s), and their friends, families, and caregivers.

About The Company

Tech-enhanced Life, PBC is a Public Benefit Corporation, incorporated in Delaware, USA. This relatively new class of corporation combines the features of a mission-driven, non-profit organization with the focus and innovative spirit that comes from being a for-profit business. As a PBC, we have a dual purpose: making our shareholders happy, while also focusing on our mission.

The specific public benefit purpose of the corporation is to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families.

We believe in the power of market-driven capitalism as a force for change, which is why we are a PBC rather than a conventional non-profit organization. While our business model is still a work in progress, we expect to share the economic benefits of this adventure with the members of our collaborative community — and especially with the Longevity Explorers.

We are based in Silicon Valley but aspire to create a global community that can make a real impact on the quality of life of ageing people around the world.

The Underlying Idea

We believe that there is huge potential for the development of clever new products and services that will improve the quality of life of all of us as we age.

Unfortunately, all too often the people who understand the problems, and the people who could solve those problems, inhabit different worlds.

We want to bring these groups together and work collaboratively to identify and/or help create new solutions to the challenge of living longer, with higher functionality — at costs that are affordable to individuals and to nations.

Collaborators & Contributors

The Tech-enhanced Life website is how our community of Longevity Explorers share what we learn with older adults around the world. It is also a platform where experts, evaluators, makers — and others interesting in improving the quality of life as we age — share their learnings.

We publish learnings from our community of Longevity Explorers, as well as insights from domain experts, and original research by our internal analyst team and other collaborators. We especially like to publish explorations by citizen evaluators of product categories, and “hacks” by makers trying to improve their own quality of life, or that of their parents.

I recommend that if you are interested in helping seniors age in place, this is a great place to start. Join us at https://www.techenhancedlife.com/user/register?destination=home