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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 Watts
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
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What does it mean to be a family caregiver in today’s world? In Ontario, more than 4 million individuals step into the role of caregiver, providing essential support to family members, partners, friends, or neighbours. Most caregivers are assisting older adults over 65 who face age-related needs including mobility issues, cognitive impairments like dementia, and cardiovascular concerns. As our population ages, these demands are rising, often placing incredible pressure on caregivers.
In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with two inspiring guests:
Terrence Ho, a family caregiver for more than 30 yearsAmy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver OrganizationTogether, they explore the evolving role of caregivers, the growing trends in caregiving responsibilities, and the crucial supports needed to ensure caregivers are not overwhelmed and neglected. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or connected to someone who is, this conversation sheds light on the importance of caring for those who care for others.
Resources:
Visit the Ontario Caregiver Organization website for supports and tools for caregiversNeed assistance? Reach out to the caregiver helplineConnect with another caregiver through peer supportLearn about advance care planning with Advance Care Planning CanadaThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A powered by StaffStat.
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How can we re-think how we build seniors’ communities?
In Canada, innovative partnerships are leading the way in transforming how we think about aging and care. One such groundbreaking initiative is unfolding in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada where Trent University is building a seniors’ village on the university campus, and they are partnering with peopleCare Communities to build and operate a long-term care home. This visionary project brings students and seniors together in a shared space where learning, living, and care are interconnected.
In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by two visionary leaders who are at the helm of this transformative project:
Dr. Cathy Bruce, President and Vice-Chancellor, Trent UniversityMegan Allen-Lamb, President, peopleCare CommunitiesListen as they discuss how this collaboration is not just about providing care; it's about creating a space where students and seniors live, learn, and grow together.
Resources:
Trent Seniors VillagepeopleCare Limitless: A Visionary StrategypeopleCare’s DevelopmentsTrent Centre for Aging and SocietyTrent Intergenerational classroomThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.
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How do we build a better future for seniors? Seniors’ populations around the world are growing and innovative solutions are crucial to meet their evolving needs. In regions like Ontario, Canada, novel projects in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology are showing us what the future can look like.
In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Roxana Sultan, Chief Data Officer and Vice President of Health at the Vector Institute, a globally renowned AI institute that is empowering researchers, businesses and governments to develop and adopt AI responsibly.
Listen as Roxana shares insights from AI projects in hospital settings and what this could mean for adoption across broader health care systems, including seniors’ care and long-term care.
Resources:
AI trust and safety principles by the Vector InstituteHealth AI Implementation Toolkit by the Vector InstituteLearn about Canada’s University Health Network’s digital tool helping heart failure patients manage symptoms from homeLearn about GEMINI at Unity Health, Canada’s largest hospital data sharing network for research and analyticsThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
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How can we address the critical health workforce shortage and build a sustainable future for seniors' care? In Canada, and especially in Ontario, the demand for nurses and personal support workers continues to climb. Ontario alone needs tens of thousands of additional workers to meet the growing care needs and to support new long-term care spaces. This challenge is not unique to Ontario or Canada; it's a global issue affecting healthcare systems worldwide.
In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by two visionary leaders and discuss how to tackle these workforce challenges on a global scale:
Mansur Dalal, Chairman of CommonAge, founder of the Association of Senior Living in India, and passionate about building sustainable seniors’ care systems and creating career pathways for young people in this field.Robyn Stone, Senior Vice President of Research at LeadingAge, Co-Director of the LeadingAge LTSS Center at UMass Boston, and who has extensive experience in long-term care policy, chronic care, and the aging services workforce. Listen as they share innovative ideas and discuss how regions around the world can collaborate to create opportunities for workers and ensure we all have the support we need as we age.
Thanks for listening to Season 4! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A powered by StaffStat.
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Welcome to Season 4 of 'Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population.'
In just four years, the oldest baby boomers will turn 80. By 2040, in Ontario alone, our over-80 population will have nearly doubled.
For many, these numbers are hard to comprehend. But the reality is, our society is getting older, their health needs are getting more complex, and we’ll need to significantly expand our services to keep up with the demand.
Join us for Season 4 as we peek into the future of care and aging with innovative solutions that are leading the way.
Six powerful new episodes, with experts from around the world coming this September. Subscribe now.
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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 PartnersNitin Jain, President and CEO, Sienna Senior LivingTess Romain, President, Partners Community HealthListen as they discuss the challenges facing leaders today and what opportunities they see for the future.
Resources:
How to support our frail elderly, a Suggested Action Plan, by leaders across the health sectors in Ontario, who have identified existing solutions that can be expanded to support seniors’ care for our growing, elderly population.Harvard Business Review: Create Stories That Change Your Company’s Culture, Work with these six building blocks. by Jay B. Barney, Manoel Amorim, and Carlos JúlioRead about Kamaljit’s dream to see Michael Bublé in concert by Sienna Senior LivingThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A Powered by StaffStat.
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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 CentrePaula 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 Teachers in Geriatric Medicine at the University of TorontoListen as they explore the evolving world of NORCs and how they could make it possible for more seniors to sustain independence longer.
Resources:
NORC Innovation Centre at the University Health NetworkOpenLab, a design and innovation studio dedicated to finding creative solutions at the intersection of health and society.Article: What works best to support older adults to age in place? by Women’s College HospitalSurvey: Getting ready for the aging Baby Boom generation by the Ontario Long Term Care AssociationThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Arjo.
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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 and social services, education and more – to align initiatives and improve services for older adults and their caregivers.
Episode guests:
Katie Smith Sloan, aging services’ expert, President and CEO of Leading Age in the U.S. and Executive Director of the Global Ageing NetworkSarita Mohanty, a partner and strategist for California’s multi-sector aging plan and President and CEO of The SCAN FoundationResources:
The SCAN Foundation resources for aging wellCalifornia’s Master Plan for AgingHow to support our frail elderly, a Suggested Action Plan, by leaders across the health sectors in Ontario, who have identified existing solutions that can be expanded to support seniors’ care for our growing, elderly population.This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Arjo.
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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 career spanning over two decades, David has devoted his life to exploring what people think and feel about their work and lives.
In May of 2023, the Ontario Long Term Care Association commissioned Abacus Data to survey 1,000 Ontario residents aged 68 to 76 to help with our planning for the future. Listen as we explore what we learned and the implications for Boomers, governments, and seniors’ care providers.
Resources:
· Getting ready for the aging Baby Boom generation: a survey
· Abacus Data market and public opinion research agency
Thanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
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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, Registered Practical Nurse, Extendicare Maple View, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and nursing student, Sault College
· Nanette Garcia, Registered Practical Nurse, Extendicare Maple View, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Resources:
· Ontario College of Nurses, How to become a nurse in Ontario
· Services for Internationally Educated Health Professionals
· Healthforce Ontario’s Community Commitment Program for Nurses which provides grant funding to attract nurses to work in Ontario, Canada
Thanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A Powered by StaffStat.
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With an ever-changing demographic landscape, how do we provide care that can be tailored to individual, cultural needs? Also, with an increasing reliance on newcomers to Canada within the caregiving workforce, how do we ensure we are creating inclusive and welcoming work environments? These questions are top of mind with leaders and care providers today – not only in Canada, but around the world.
In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by two leaders in long-term care in Ontario, Canada that operate in culturally diverse communities.
· Adil Khalfan, President and CEO of Kensington Health that is based in downtown Toronto and offers community-based specialized healthcare services.
· Dr. San Ng, CEO of Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, Canada’s largest not-for-profit senior care organization delivering culturally appropriate services to Chinese and other Asian seniors.
Together, they explore cultural proficiency and safety in long-term care homes and the opportunities that are unfolding.
Resources:
· An introduction to culturally appropriate care and equity, diversity and inclusion by the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care
· Embracing diversity toolkit developed by the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI)
Thanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.
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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 to enhance our older loved ones' health, wellness and safety at home.
Resources:
· GetConnected radio show and podcast. Listen to Mike and his team as they bring new technology to you.
Thanks for listening to Season 3! Join us in two weeks for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each our next episode as soon as it’s released on November 14, 2023.
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
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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 discuss workplace and societal strategies.
Episode guests:
· Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, Conference Board of Canada
· Nora Spinks, Work-Life Harmony Enterprises and seniors’ and family thought-leader
· Allison Williams, Social Geographer at McMaster University and Research Lead of the Canadian Institute for Health Research/Social Science Humanities Health Research, Healthy Productive Work Partnership Grant
Resources:
· Conference Board of Canada Reports
o The time to fix long-term care is now (2020)
o Sizing up the challenge: Meeting the demand for long-term care in Canada (2017)
· Resources for employers:
o Caregiver Friendly Workplace by McMaster University
o Carer-friendly workplaces, inclusive and accommodating employment practices by Carers Canada
· Research
o Balancing Flexibility and Administrative Burden: Experiences of Family Managers Using Directly Funded Home Care in Manitoba, Canada
o Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on carer-employees’ well-being: a twelve-country comparison
Thanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.
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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 their elderly populations.
Resources:
· SAGE, which stands for Studying and Advancing Global Eldercare, is a recognized aged care and retirement living study tour program. Visit SAGEtours.com to learn more and get involved.
· Global Ageing Network
· Australia Intergenerational Report
Thanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
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Are we psychologically prepared as a society for aging? More and more we are seeing a fear of elderhood and avoidance to talking about its realities. This fuels a cycle of bias that we can change – through healthy discussion and proper support.
In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Dr. Sonu Gaind, a psychiatrist, professor and mental health advocate. Dr. Gaind is the Chief of the Department of Psychiatry at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada, a hospital renowned for its work in mental health research and care. Together, they explore how fear, hope and acceptance are connected in maintaining mental wellbeing as we get older, along with the tools and systems needed to support us all in aging well.
Resources and extra reading mentioned this episode:
· Learn more about Dr. Gaind’s work: https://www.drsonugaind.com/
· Learn about positive aging and psychiatry: https://fountainofhealth.ca/
· Watch the Japanese film Plan 75 about an imagined dystopian future of a “super-aged society”
· Read the book, Anxiety and the Gift of Imagination by Dr. Robin Alter
· Read the Surgeon General Advisory on the impact of loneliness and isolation in the United States
Thanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A powered by StaffStat.
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How do we learn about and prepare for the natural course of a progressive illness? For patients and their loved ones, the journey includes both hope and grief. A palliative care approach can help us all better understand what to expect and set out realistic goals.
In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Dr. Samantha (Sammy) Winemaker, a Canadian palliative care physician and co-author with Dr. Hsien Seow of Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest. Their work is inspiring a movement to help those receiving care, their caregivers, and healthcare providers to feel prepared and informed through the journey of a life-changing illness.
Resources:
Get the book: Hope for the best, plan for the restLearn more about Dr. Winemaker’s work: www.waitingroomrevolution.comThanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Arjo.
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Why do we make assumptions about people based on their age? Each person is unique, and their age doesn't tell us anything other than how long they've been on the planet.
“Age doesn't tell you what they value. It doesn't tell you what their ideology is. It doesn't tell you about their abilities. Nothing.”
In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Tracey Gendron, a gerontologist, activist, and author of Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It. Based out of the Virginia Commonwealth University in the United States, her research led her down a path to explore the roots of ageism, finding glimmers of hope along the way.
Resources:
Get the book: Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End ItLearn more about Tracey Gendron: https://www.traceygendron.com/Thanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.
This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
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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.
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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 in society, and how we can all work together to dismantle it. Together, Donna and Ashton discuss what ageism is and how it shows up in society and in our everyday lives. Ashton also shares her perspective on how ageism fuels inequities in healthcare and long-term care. Donna also asks Ashton to share her thoughts on healthy aging, and how internalized and structural ageism keep many of us from living long and aging well. Finally, Ashton provides suggestions for how we can all begin to address ageism and tackle our own personal blindspots, in addition to sharing her thoughts on how we can re-imagine long-term care and seniors’ care in order to best meet the needs of older adults.
Learn more about Ashton Applewhite and her work:
https://thischairrocks.com/ https://yoisthisageist.com/ https://www.ted.com/speakers/ashton_applewhite - Vis mere
