Episodes
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How can we re-think how we build seniorsâ 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 seniorsâ 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 StrategypeopleCareâs 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? Seniorsâ 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 seniorsâ care and long-term care.
Resources:
AI trust and safety principles by the Vector InstituteHealth AI Implementation Toolkit by the Vector InstituteLearn about Canadaâs University Health Networkâs digital tool helping heart failure patients manage symptoms from homeLearn about GEMINI at Unity Health, Canadaâs largest hospital data sharing network for research and analyticsThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
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Episodes manquant?
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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 seniorsâ care systems and creating career pathways for young people in this field.ï»żï»żRobyn 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.ï»żï»żï»ż
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 itâs 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 weâll 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 seniorsâ care for our growing, elderly population.Harvard Business Review: Create Stories That Change Your Companyâs Culture, Work with these six building blocks. by Jay B. Barney, Manoel Amorim, and Carlos JĂșlioRead about Kamaljitâs dream to see Michael BublĂ© 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? Canadaâs 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 Womenâs Age Lab at Womenâs 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 Womenâs College HospitalSurvey: Getting ready for the aging Baby Boom generation by the Ontario Long Term Care Associationï»żï»żï»żï»żThis 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 â 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 â local infrastructure, housing, health and social services, education and more â to align initiatives and improve services for older adults and their caregivers.
Episode guests:
Katie Smith Sloan, aging servicesâ 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 Californiaâs multi-sector aging plan and President and CEO of The SCAN FoundationResources:
The SCAN Foundation resources for aging wellCaliforniaâs 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 seniorsâ 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 seniorsâ 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 Canadaâs 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 seniorsâ 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 itâs 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 Ontarioâs 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 itâs 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 â 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, Canadaâs 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.
ï»żï»żï»żï»żResources:
· 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 itâs 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 â 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 itâs 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, letâs discuss workplace and societal strategies.
Episode guests:
· Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, Conference Board of Canada
· Nora Spinks, Work-Life Harmony Enterprises and seniorsâ 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-employeesâ 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 itâs released.
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What sage advice for seniorsâ care can we learn from others around the world? The cultural frameworks in which we live, work and age guide how we innovate â 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 itâs 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 â 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. Gaindâs 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 âsuper-aged societyâ
· 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 itâs 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. Winemakerâs 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 itâs 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.
âAge 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.â
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 itâs 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 hereâs the thing, our perceptions of aging and innovations for seniorsâ care have not kept pace.
Letâs 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 âThis Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageismâ and the blog âYo, Is this Ageist?â Ashton is a writer, an activist, and an internationally recognized expert on ageism who was recently named one of â50 leaders around transforming the world into a better place to grow oldâ 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 seniorsâ 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 -
In this episode, Donna is joined by Brent Gingerich, Chairman and CEO of peopleCare Communities, who stepped up to serve as chair of our Board during the height of the pandemic. Highly regarded in the sector, Brent is known for exemplifying values-based leadership throughout the most difficult of times. Brent quite literally grew up in long-term care, in a family deeply committed to public service, and he shares his beliefs on how to create great places for seniors to live, and meaningful places for people to work. He and other leaders across seniorsâ care are moving ahead with new innovations to improve the lives of the people in their care, and the lives of their team members. They are leading the changes that we need to see, and the future of seniorsâ care will look very different thanks to their efforts.
Learn more about Brent Gingerich and peopleCare Communities:
https://peoplecare.ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gingerich/?originalSubdomain=ca -
As women access seniors care in Ontario and other jurisdictions around the world, many of them are still frequently encountering gendered ageism and other healthcare inequities. In this episode, Donna discusses this issue with Dr. Paula Rochon, a Senior Scientist and Founder of Womenâs Age Lab at Womenâs College Hospital and Professor at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Paul Higgs, a sociologist and professor of aging at University College London. During their conversation, they focus on the unique health and wellbeing needs of older women, and the health inequities many of them face today. Paula shares more about the work she and her team is doing at the Womenâs Age Lab here in Canada, and Paul provides more information on some of the current innovations in seniors care happening in the U.K. In addition, both guests share their perspectives on ageism in society more generally, including its harmful effects on older women, and gendered ageism in relation to long-term care homes.
Learn more about Dr. Paula Rochon and the Womenâs Age Lab:
https://www.womensresearch.ca/womens-age-lab/ https://www.womensresearch.ca/scientists/core-faculty/paula-rochonï»żLearn more about Dr. Paul Higgs:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/people/paul-higgs#:~:text=Paul%20Higgs%20is%20professor%20of,and%20community'%20(2005) - Montre plus
