Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population

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.

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.

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.

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 agencyThanks 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.

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, OntarioResources:·       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, CanadaThanks 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.

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.

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.

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 Reportso   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 Universityo   Carer-friendly workplaces, inclusive and accommodating employment practices by Carers Canada·       Researcho   Balancing Flexibility and Administrative Burden: Experiences of Family Managers Using Directly Funded Home Care in Manitoba, Canadao   Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on carer-employees’ well-being: a twelve-country comparisonThanks 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 seniors’ 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 seniors’ 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 Women’s Age Lab at Women’s 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 Women’s 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 Women’s Age Lab:https://www.womensresearch.ca/womens-age-lab/ https://www.womensresearch.ca/scientists/core-faculty/paula-rochon Learn more about Dr. Paul Higgs:https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/people/paul-higgs#:~:text=Paul%20Higgs%20is%20professor%20of,and%20community'%20(2005)

In Ontario alone, the population of people over the age of 85 is set to double over the next 12 years. Currently, there are more than 40,000 people on the waitlist for long-term care in Ontario, while the system is facing significant staffing shortages. It’s time we develop new strategies for meeting the needs of our aging population. In this episode, Donna is joined by John Yip, the president and CEO of SE Health, a large home and community care organization that serves people in Canada and abroad. John brings an extraordinary skill set as a consultant, operator, leader and innovator in our healthcare system, and he has a fascinating perspective to share on how we are going to respond to the challenges our system is facing as the baby boomer generation continues to age. During the episode, John shares his thoughts about how we can strategize to meet the needs of this aging demographic, the benefits of taking a population-based approach and most importantly, how we can begin to think differently about the ways we deliver care. Learn more about John Yip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnyip/?originalSubdomain=ca

To ensure seniors are better supported, it will ultimately be about taking collective responsibility, both across the health system and throughout society, for supporting our aging population. In this episode, Donna is joined by John Hirdes, a professor at the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo and a renowned long-term care researcher with nearly 40 years of experience and perspective. John has a wealth of information to share on what’s happening right now in long-term care, the changes he’s seen over the decades, and some very thoughtful advice on what we could be doing differently as a society to support our seniors. He also offers his professional and personal insights into the changes in society that are affecting our seniors, as well as the changes that are needed to ensure seniors are better supported. Learn more about John Hirdes: https://uwaterloo.ca/public-health-sciences/people-profiles/john-hirdes

If we hope to provide better support to our ageing population over the coming years, we’ll need to adopt a fresh perspective and reimagine the way we think about the important role of caregivers. In this episode, Donna sits down with Amy Coupal, the CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization, to hear her insights about the evolving needs of the ageing population in Ontario and what will be needed going forward if we hope to strengthen support systems for our diverse population of caregivers. As an entrepreneur, educator, and caregiver herself, Amy has a comprehensive view of the needs of seniors and caregivers, and how we can work together to create a more solid foundation of support for everyone.Learn more about Amy Coupal: https://ontariocaregiver.ca/about-oco/leadership/

In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna shares an inspiring conversation with CEOs Cameron Love of the Ottawa Hospital and Dr. Michael Guerriere of Extendicare. Together, the two organizations run a transitional care unit in one of Extendicare’s long-term care homes, designed for people who no longer need to be in hospital, but who have high care needs and are usually waiting for admission to an appropriate long-term care home. They discuss the significant level of interest in this new model of care, how this innovative partnership came to be, and the “special sauce” that makes it all work. They also discuss how we need to champion collaboration to transform the system and meet the needs of our aging population, and why it will take all of us working together across different parts of the system to create an integrated continuum of living and care. Learn more about Extendicare and Dr. Michael Guerriere: https://www.extendicare.com/about-extendicare/leadership-team/ Learn more about the Ottawa Hospital and Cameron Love: https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/en/about-us/our-leadership-team/board-of-governors/governors/cameron-love/