Community of Innovation

September is World Alzheimer's Month. This is a time to raise awareness about dementia and its impact on more than 55 million people worldwide – and that number is rapidly growing. On the latest Community of Innovation podcast episode, hosts Dr. Allison Sekuler, President & Chief Scientist of CABHI and the Baycrest Academy of Research and Education, and Dr. Rosanne Aleong, Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Translation at CABHI and the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, explore the critical need for the prevention, detection, treatment, and care of dementia Our guests include Sylvia Ciechanowski, Audiologist at Baycrest Hearing Services, Dr. Larissa McKetton, Director of Scientific and Clinical Development at Baycrest Academy of Research Education and Scientific Associate, Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest and Dr. Anthony Levinson, co-developer of DementiaRisk.ca and the CABH-supported iGeriCare.ca - two free online educational tools. Our guests highlight the importance of raising awareness of dementia and taking steps to reduce its impact.

On the latest Community of Innovation podcast episode, we continue our series featuring conversations from the sixth annual CABHI Summit: Defy Dementia. In this episode, we revisit the keynote address featuring CABHI's president, Dr. Allison Sekuler, in conversation with Dr. Harris Eyre, a visionary entrepreneur leading the way towards a brain-positive economy. They explore the need to shift towards a brain economy in response to the growing strain on our cognitive health from advanced generative AI models and the increase in societal and environmental pressures that impact our well-being.

On the latest Community of Innovation podcast episode, hosts Dr. Allison Sekuler, President & Chief Scientist of CABHI and the Baycrest Academy of Research and Education, and Rosanne Aleong, Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Translation at CABHI and the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, explore the benefits of exercise for optimal brain health. GERAS Dance, a CABHI-supported Spark project, is an evidence-based, recreational and rehabilitation program that provides older persons with opportunities to improve mobility, engage with their peers, and stimulate their minds through accessible dance exercises. Our guests, Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, a Professor of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics at McMaster University, a Geriatric Medicine Specialist at Hamilton Health Sciences, and Executive Director of the Geras Centre for Aging Research and co-creator of GERAS Dance, and Kiran Gupta, founder of the Hindu Samaj Wellness Club and peer instructor for GERAS Dance, highlights the importance of functional exercise for brain health and dementia prevention.

June is Seniors Month. On the latest Community of Innovation podcast episode, we continue with our series featuring conversations from the sixth annual CABHI Summit: Defy Dementia. In this episode, Bianca Stern, Executive Director of Health Innovation at CABHI moderates a discussion with Adele Ostfield, a CABHI Senior Advisory Panel member, and Helen Hirsh Spence, CEO and Founder of Top Sixty Over 60, on understanding ageism: Why it is harmful and how to combat it. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. On the latest Community of Innovation podcast episode, hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler, President & Chief Scientist and Rosanne Aleong, Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Translation at CABHI, explore the benefits and address the common misconceptions of neuromodulation: an intervention that directly stimulates the human brain. Neuromodulation can be used to treat various health concerns, but in this episode, we focus in on its use for mental health treatment and dementia care. Our first guest, Dr. Tarek Rajji, senior scientist and chair of the Medical Advisory Committee at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), offers his expertise on brain stimulation for clients living with mental illness and dementia. Then Fatima, our second guest, shares her inspiring journey with brain stimulation as a form of treatment for a neurocognitive disorder.

We are thrilled to introduce a series of podcast episodes featuring conversations from the sixth annual CABHI Summit: Defy Dementia. This episode features a fireside chat with Dr. Rosanne Aleong, Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Translation, and Ameca, created by Engineered Arts. Ameca is the world's most advanced humanoid robot representing the forefront of human-robotics technology.

In honour of International Women's Day, Dr. Rosanne Aleong, Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Translation, speaks with two remarkable female innovators. Neelam Brar, founder of TotalLife Therapy, which helps older adults get the mental health care help they need and Kate Dupuis, a Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at Sheridan College, who establishes intergenerational connections through music therapy.

Wills are not just for the very rich or the very elderly, and they shouldn't be a last-minute part of life for anybody. On the latest episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation's podcast, Drs. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist and Rosanne Aleong, Executive Director, Research, Innovation, and Translation and their guests discuss why creating a formalized will is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones.

Hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong chat with guests Chenny Xia, CEO of Gotcare, and Ngozi Iroanyah, Director Health Equity and Access at Alzheimer Society of Ontario about what culturally safe care is, what the principles of it are, and how to apply it. Les docteurs Allison Sekuler et Rosanne Aleong discutent avec les invités Chenny Xia, PDG de Gotcare, et Ngozi Iroanyah, directeur de l'équité en matière de santé et de l'accès à la Société Alzheimer de l'Ontario, de ce que sont les soins culturellement sécuritaires, de leurs principes et de la façon de les mettre en œuvre.

Welcome to the Community of Innovation Podcast's final episode of Season 4, in which we review the top three episodes of the season. Take a walk down memory lane with hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong, as well as production team members Monique Cheng and Lisa Hartford, as they reminisce about which podcasts affected them the most, and why.

Artificial intelligence – it's not new and it's here to stay. In recent years, with artificial intelligence or AI applications like Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT making the news, the role of artificial intelligence in everyday life has become a topic of deep discussion and debate - whether that be in education, the arts, or healthcare.   Hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong chat with guests Dr. Muhammad Mamdani and Dor Skuler about the basics of AI, how it is being applied to the health of Canadians, and what opportunities are available in the aging space. 

How can we design optimal housing and community settings that better support and empower older adults to live a life of purpose, community connection, security, and fulfilment? Find out in our recording of a live fireside chat with Dr. William Reichman, President and CEO of Baycrest Seniors Care, and guest Dr. Victor Regnier, an internationally renowned architect and leading expert in innovative housing solutions and services for older persons with mental and/or physical frailty. Hear about the latest research and global developments in optimizing housing designs and programs for aging adults from across the world. Audience Q&A follows the talk.

CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast continues in our series of episodes featuring conversations from the CABHI Summit 2023. This episode features a first-hand telling of disruptions in brain health innovation occurring in Denmark, the Netherlands, Israel, Japan, and Canada. Our hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong kick off this insightful discussion by a global panel of experts: Faith Malach, (Executive Director, Care Transformation and Innovation, Baycrest, Canada), Keren Etkin (publisher of TheGerontechnologist, Israel), Yasuko Akutsu (Associate Professor, Patient Support Department, Chiba University Hospital, Japan), and Mide Seyi-Ajayi (Executive Director, Baycrest Health Sciences, Canada).

In this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast, hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong are joined again by guests Maggie Perquin and Sylvia Davidson for our second of two episodes on sexuality, intimacy, and aging. In our previous episode, Maggie and Sylvia explored the importance of intimacy in the aging journey, the challenges that 2SLGBTQI+ couples face, and how healthcare can better support people living with dementia and their partners. In today's episode, we will be doing a deeper dive into the often taboo nature of the topic; how we need to broaden our definition of intimacy beyond intercourse; and real-life examples of stigma and issues of sexuality and intimacy in healthcare environments.

With the rising number of reports of older adults experiencing scams and crimes in recent months, this episode explores the issue of financial abuse of older adults – whether through scams, identity theft, or fraud. Hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong chat with guests Bénédicte Schoepflin, Kelly Heisz, and Jeff Horncastle about common scams, how to identify and detect them, what to do when facing one, and strategies to protect oneself from these crimes.

Let's get comfortable and have “the talk.” In honour of Pride Month, hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong chat with Maggie Perquin and Sylvia Davidson about sexuality, intimacy, and aging with a focus on individuals living with dementia and their partners. Tune in as we talk candidly about the experiences of these individuals, including relationship changes, the unique challenges for 2SLGBTQI+ couples, and how the healthcare system can better support them.

In honour of Canada Road Safety Week, the latest Community of Innovation podcast episode looks at driving and dementia. In this episode, hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong chat with Mary Beth Wighton, Dr. Gary Naglie, and Dr. Mark Rapoport about the impact of dementia on driving ability, safety, and the emotional journey of older adults losing their licenses. Our guests will also look at resources like the Driving and Dementia Roadmap, which can support individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

This episode, the first of our special CABHI Summit 2023 episodes, features Dr. Brent Chappell, a radiologist and a slam poet from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In his powerful and moving keynote address, Brent inspires us to understand why Alzheimer's disease research and innovation matter. Watch and Listen: CABHI Podcast Links Alzheimer's Society of Saskatchewan Donate to CABHI (through Baycrest Foundation)

In honour of Women's International Day and Brain Health Month, this Community of Innovation podcast episode looks at the intersection between sex, gender, and brain health - specifically for women and individuals from the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Our guests explore the historical reasons and implications of ignoring sex and gender in science and research. They'll also look at the aging and brain health journey from a gender-diverse lens and will dive into the importance of equity and intersectionality in health research, innovation, and promotion. CABHI Hosts: Dr. Allison Sekuler, Dr. Rosanne Aleong Guests: Dr. Gillian Einstein (University of Toronto), Dr. Natasha Rajah (McGill University)

Join us for part two of our mentorship series, where we dive into the mentor-mentee relationship from the mentee perspective. Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong talk with GeriMedRisk's Co-Executive Directors Dr. Joanne Ho and Dr. Sophiya Benjamin, as well as Rehabtronics' Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rahul Samant and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Bojana Turic. Learn about the key elements of a successful mentor-mentee bond, and how their mentors have shaped their innovation journey.

Welcome to Season 4! ln honour of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong welcome Jim Mann, Dr. Anthony Levinson (iGeriCare), and Robin Mitchell (Baycrest) as they explore the impact of a dementia diagnosis on clients and their families in those first/early days. Our guests will walk us through the common emotions and challenges that a diagnosis may bring along with resources and strategies to help clients and their families. 

CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast has officially wrapped up our third season! Listen to this compilation episode featuring highlights from our three most popular episodes this past year, as picked by our listeners. This episode features interviews tackling the toughest challenges surrounding aging, brain health, and women's health issues. Take a walk down memory lane with hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong, as well as production team members Arielle Ricketts, Nicole Pacampara, and Monique Cheng. Subscribe to the Community of Innovation podcast to hear new episodes from season four starting in January 2023.

In this Community of Innovation podcast episode, Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong welcome Brice Scheschuk, Managing Partner of Globalive Capital and co-founder of MindFrame Connect, and Dr. Ray Muzyka, founder of ThresholdImpact. Our guests will dive deep into the craft and discipline of mentorship as they talk about what it takes to become a great mentor. Tune in to hear the key principles of mentorship and ways to improve your mentoring skills.

Get moving, get sweating, and embrace that burn. All that sweat looks good on you!  In this episode, our guests dive deep into the benefits of exercise and physical movement not only for the body but also for the brain. Hear all about the latest research on how exercise can positively impact older adults and their lived experiences and how physical movement can be a healthy outlet for the body, mind, and spirit. Hosted by Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong (CABHI). Featuring Dr. Jennifer Heisz (Canada Research Chair in Brain Health and Aging and Associate Professor from McMaster University) and Lata Pada (Founder and Artistic Director Emerita of SAMPRADAYA Dance Creations, an award-winning company at the forefront of Indian dance in Canada).

Increasingly, there's been a lot of talk in the media about how new technologies are transforming the way we age. Join CABHI President and Chief Scientist Dr. Allison Sekuler as she talks to some of the titans of the agetech landscape about the future of technology and aging, the role agetech will play in the lives of older adults and caregivers, and what these innovations mean for our collective physical and mental well-being. Moderated by Dr. Allison Sekuler. Featuring Dr. Alex Mihailidis (AGE-WELL), Dr. David Lindeman (CITRIS, CTA), Sasha Spellman (AARP Innovation Labs), Erica Lloyd (Soul Machines), and Clara (Soul Machines).

After 75-year-old immigrant mother, Rebecca Danigelis was fired without cause from her lifelong job as a hotel housekeeper, her son Sian-Pierre Regis took her on a bucket list adventure to reclaim her life. As Rebecca struggled to find work, Sian-Pierre lovingly documented her journey in his celebrated film Duty Free – uncovering the economic insecurity shaping not only his mother's future but that of an entire generation. In this episode, Rebecca and Sian-Pierre join moderator Felicia Brown as they talk about the film and how their own personal life journeys intersect with the issues near and dear to their hearts: ageism, caregiving, and economic insecurity for older adults.

CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast is proud to continue our series of episodes featuring conversations from the CABHI Summit 2022. This episode is the series' third installment. The dramatic confluence of social, health, economic, and political crises around the world has shone a revealing light on inequalities at so many levels and has increased the level of urgency to create healthy environments for all ages. Join our international panel as they delve into some of the challenges, opportunities, and creative solutions that communities have encountered on the way to building age-friendly and dementia-friendly environments. Moderated by Bianca Stern (CABHI). Featuring Dr. Jane Barratt (International Federation on Ageing), Myrna Norman (Dementia Advocacy Canada), and Catherine McGuigan (National Age Friendly Ireland Programme).

CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast is proud to continue our series of episodes featuring conversations from the CABHI Summit 2022. This episode is the series' second installment. The experience of being an older adult, a caregiver, or a person living with dementia comes with unique challenges no matter one's identity – but we've known for a long time those challenges are magnified for people of colour, Indigenous peoples, and members of the LGBTQ2+ community, among others. The panel draws on their professional and personal experiences to explore some of the challenges members of diverse populations – including those with intersecting identities – face as they age, and how we might work toward a future of health equity for all. Featuring Laura Tamblyn Watts, Jason Resendez, Aisha Adkins, and Elder Dr. Mary Wilson.

On this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast, Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong welcome Samantha Gardner, Co-founder of Sunshine Connected, as well as Jackie Tanner, a gerontological social worker and National Manager and Clinical Lead for Canada HomeShare. They discuss common misconceptions about the generational divide and how their organizations are enabling intergenerational learning and relationships through innovative digital platforms and housing approaches.

In this episode -- the second in a two-part conversation -- Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong interview Drs. Hsien Seow and Samantha Winemaker, hosts of the Waiting Room Revolution podcast, about shifting our approach to death and dying when it comes to serious illness. In our previous episode, Sammy and Hsien shared with our audience their seven key ways to be prepared and hopeful when facing serious illness. In today's episode, we will be doing a deeper dive into our current understanding about the palliative care journey around illness; and, more specifically, age-related illnesses like dementia.

In this episode, Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong interview Drs. Hsien Seow and Samantha Winemaker, hosts of the Waiting Room Revolution podcast, about shifting our approach to death and dying when it comes to serious illness. In this episode we'll discuss the ways our current understanding about illness and death shape the palliative care experience for patients and family members. Our guests will also share some helpful tips for staying hopeful and prepared when facing a serious illness.

CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast is proud to introduce a series of episodes featuring conversation from the CABHI Summit 2022. This episode is the series' first installment.  In this candid and moving session, our panel of family caregivers – all of whom have personal experience caring for a loved one living with dementia – give us a glimpse into their world. They share how their caregiving experiences have naturally empowered them to become leaders in their communities in unique ways. More than sharing just their stories, they move us to action by depicting the supports and policies for caregivers they want to see implemented in their vision of the future.  Featuring Ron Beleno (CABHI Seniors Advisory Panel) and Cindy McCaffery (YouQuest), moderated by Dr. Adriana Shnall (Baycrest). 

During her recent fight with cervical cancer, Rachel Bartholomew had an epiphany. She realized that far too many women were left to navigate pelvic health challenges in the dark. To address this problem, Rachel founded Hyivy Health – a company providing a 3-in-1 pelvic rehab system that connects patients and clinicians to improve support and education around the pelvic health journey. On this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast, Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong sit down with Rachel to discuss her journey as a femtech entrepreneur, the stigma preventing women from receiving quality pelvic healthcare, and the unique pelvic health challenges facing women from underrepresented communities and members of the LGBTQ2+ community.

On this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast, Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong speak with octogenarian Molly Sutkaitis about aging well and smashing stereotypes about older adults.   In this candid conversation, Molly shares her inspirational story about growing up in Glasgow, Scotland during the Second World War, her previous involvement in activist group the Raging Grannies, and the life experiences that motivated her to pursue a master's degree in theology, which she received at the age of 88. 

What is dementia? Is it a normal part of aging? These are just some of the questions that we'll be answering on this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast. In honour of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, we're teaming up with Dr. Howard Chertkow (Professor of Neurology at the University of Toronto, Senior Scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute, and Scientific Director of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging), Maria Muzzi (Social Worker at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto), and Laura McGill (Public Education Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto) to debunk common myths surrounding Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Resources: ALZeducate.caMonthly drop-ins at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto 

CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast has officially wrapped up its second season! Listen to this compilation episode to hear nuggets from some of our best interviews with the movers and shakers in the longevity sector. This episode features interviews from guests who are tackling the toughest challenges surrounding aging, brain health, and equity, diversity and inclusion within the startup and health innovation ecosystem. Take a walk down memory lane with hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong, as well as production team member Arielle Ricketts, as they reminisce on their favourite episodes from season two. Subscribe to the Community of Innovation podcast to hear new episodes from season three starting in January 2022.

Food. It fuels us, brings us together, and makes up a large part of our cultural heritage. As we age, food and nutrition play an even more important role in our lives by helping to support cognitive and physical health. On this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast, guests Dr. Carol Greenwood, Senior Scientist Emeritus at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, and Toronto Chef Nuit Regular come together to discuss all the ways food impacts our sense of well-being and quality of life and how our relationship with food changes across our lifespan. Learn more about our guests Chef Nuit Regular Chef Nuit Regular is the Executive Chef and co-owner of PAI; Kiin, By Chef Nuit; Sabai Sabai; and Sukhothai. It all began when Chef Nuit opened the humble Curry Shack in the small town of Pai, in Northern Thailand. She made the decision to leave her career as a nurse so that she could share her passion and life experiences through family recipes, street market dishes, and Royal Thai cuisine in Canada. The first Thai SELECT Ambassador for Canada, Chef Nuit has been recognized by the government of Thailand for the authenticity of her Thai cooking and was awarded the prestigious Thai SELECT Signature designation for her restaurants. She is a resident judge on Food Network Canada's Wall of Chefs, the author of Kiin: Recipes and Stories from Northern Thailand, winner of a 2021 International Association of Culinary Professional's Cookbook Award, as well as the gold medal winner of the 2021 Taste Canada Award. Chef Regular recently celebrated the opening of her brand-new restaurant, Selva. Dr. Carol Greenwood Dr. Carol Greenwood is a Nutritional Scientist who joined Baycrest's Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit in 1994. She later became a member of the Rotman Research Institute (RRI). Her work examined the links between diet, physiology, cognition, and dementia with a focus on developing nutrition strategies for brain health. Her work, spanning basic (rodent) research to cognitive neuroscience and applied intervention research, helped pave the way for the evidence-based Brain Health Food Guide. She is currently Professor Emeritus, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, and Senior Scientist Emeritus, RRI. Resources The Brain Health Food Guide – Dr. Carol GreenwoodKiin: Recipes and Stories from Northern Thailand – Chef Nuit Regular

For this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation Podcast, Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong sit down with agetech experts Keren Etkin and Ron Beleno to explore emerging technology trends shaking up the longevity sector. Our guests also share their projections for the future of agetech (think flying cars and the Jetsons), while reminding us that great technology should only exist to help us do more of what we love – whether that's enjoying our favourite hobbies or staying in touch with our families as we age.  Learn more about our guests Keren Etkin Keren is the author of The Age Tech Revolution: a Book About the Intersection of Technology and Aging (set to be published in December 2021) and the creator of TheGerontechnologist.com, a media platform that covers the global agetech ecosystem and offers online courses through the Age Tech Academy. Named one of the most influential people in aging, Keren is a sought-after public speaker and advisor for agetech startups, investors in the longevity economy, care providers, and organizations who work on innovation in aging. Previously, Keren was the first employee at Intuition Robotics, a CABHI-supported startup behind ElliQ, the world's first social robot designed with and for older adults, and co-founder & VP of Product at Sensi.Ai, a startup that developed the first and only artificial intelligence solution for remote care monitoring. She holds a M.A. in Gerontology and a B.Sc. in Life Sciences. Ron Beleno Ron is an experienced family caregiver to his late father who lived well with Alzheimer's disease for over 10 years. He is an advocate in the dementia and aging community, with expertise in technology, aging in place, caregiving, and patient engagement. Ron is especially interested in dementia and age-friendly communities, living safely, remote caring, and research. Ron is also the co-chair for AGE-WELL NCE's Older Adults and Caregiver Advisory Committee; advisor and presenter for Alzheimer's societies and dementia organizations locally and internationally; a member of the City of Toronto's Senior Strategy Accountability Table, and a collaborator/advisor to many research, industry, and startup organizations. In current and past endeavors, Ron has successfully started non-profit and commercial enterprises, worked in collaboration with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, and is constantly networking in various communities to bring key stakeholders together. Check-out the resources shared by our guests Leap by the Centre for Aging + Brain Health InnovationAGE-WELLThe Gerontechnologist

In this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast, author and journalist Moira Welsh talks about her book Happily Ever Older: Revolutionary Approaches to Long-Term Care, and the idea that aging can and should be a fun and fulfilling moment in our life's journey. For Welsh, growing older should come with opportunities to learn new things, enjoy hobbies, and discover more about ourselves and the people around us. “We can always aim high to improve ourselves, no matter our age or ability,” she argues. In this fireside chat, first aired at the 2021 CABHI Summit, Welsh highlights initiatives that are helping older adults, especially those living in long-term care homes, pursue their potential in the later stages of life. One of these initiatives is the CABHI-supported Albert Project, created in collaboration with long-term care provider Primacare Living Solutions and media production company Crosswater Digital Media. The project provides residents living with dementia therapeutic virtual reality experiences to reduce the need for behavioural management medication. Listen to this conversation, hosted by Baycrest President & CEO Dr. William Reichman, to hear more from Welsh on the ways the longevity sector and society at large can shift perspectives on aging to one where we can, indeed, live happily ever older.   Learn more about Moira Welsh Moira Welsh is an investigative reporter with the Toronto Star. She has written extensively on seniors' issues, with a focus on long-term care, along with issues related to social justice, health, and the environment. Moira has co-authored investigations that have won three National Newspaper Awards and a Michener Award for Public Service Journalism. She was also a finalist for the Justicia Award for Legal Reporting and the Canadian Hillman Prize for journalism in service of the common good. She is the author of Happily Ever Older: Revolutionary Approaches to Long-Term Care, about evolving ways to live in our later years. 

What would COVID-19 mortality rates look like if we had known from the very beginning of the pandemic that the virus would also affect young and healthy people? This is the question that begins Ashton Applewhite's fireside chat, featured on this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast, where she exposes the ageist and ableist attitudes behind the neglect and marginalization of older adults witnessed throughout the pandemic. Listen to this episode to hear Applewhite tackle these important topic, and also prescribe her solution for a more inclusive society where everyone can be respected and valued regardless of their age or ability. To learn more about Ashton Applewhite, or her book This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, visit thischairrocks.com.

In his recent book, Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada's Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic, André Picard reveals the full extent of the crisis in eldercare and offers an urgently needed prescription to fix a broken system. For Picard, improving long-term care will require us to change the way we think about aging. As he points out in this keynote, first aired at the CABHI Summit 2021, we must shift towards a person-centred elder care model where aging is celebrated, and older adults are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. 

The current COVID-19 healthcare crisis has accelerated the development and adoption of aging and brain health innovations around the world. From robots to AI-powered fall detection systems, the longevity market is seeing a boom in agetech products that aim to improve the quality of life for older adults living at home or in long-term care facilities. Where we once crawled, we've learned to sprint. Many countries, including Canada, are incorporating technology into dementia care faster than ever before. But is technology the answer to all of our aging challenges? How can we use technology in an ethical and equitable way? On this episode of the Community of Innovation Podcast, Dr. Allison Sekuler and panelists Yasuko Akutsu (President & CEO of MT Healthcare Design Research Inc, Japan), George MacGinnis (Healthy Aging Challenge Director, UK Research and Innovation), Bridgette Murphy (Managing Director and COO of AGE-WELL), and Jason Resendez (Executive Director of the USAgainstAlzheimer'sCenter for Brain Health Equity) tackle these questions in a public lecture that first aired at the 2021 Rotman Research Institute Conference.

LGBTQ2+ older adults may experience significant barriers to healthcare that can make them reluctant to embrace their full identities while living in long-term care and community settings. The fear of discrimination may prevent them from seeking medical attention or disclosing their desires for advanced care if they are living with a chronic condition such as dementia. To address these challenges, Rabbi Sara Paasche-Orlow, Director of Spiritual Care at Hebrew SeniorLife in Boston, created Aging Out – a CABHI-supported initiative designed to disseminate best practices in LGBTQ2+ aging, health, and dementia care among front-line healthcare workers.

This episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation podcast is about the barriers facing women and entrepreneurs of colour when it comes to getting their startups off the ground. Our guests, Ling Ly Tan, CEO & Founder, Linggo and Aaron Walker, CEO, Camelback Ventures, share their thoughts on the state of EDI practices in the startup world today. They also share practical advice for ways investors can increase opportunities for marginalized groups.

On this episode of CABHI's Community of Innovation Podcast, our guests Dr. Jane Barratt (Secretary General, International Federation on Ageing) and Marcia Weisbrot (Art Therapist and Educator at City College of San Francisco) challenge us to think of age-friendly communities as more than a physical space. We'll learn that age-friendly communities are environments where residents, especially older adults, are equipped to thrive. As Dr. Barratt puts it, “It's not what age-friendly communities look like, but what they feel like.” As a member of the San Francisco Village, a thriving community organization led by older adults, Marcia Weisbrot shares how age-friendly spaces can combat ageism by bringing everyone together in meaningful ways.  Together with hosts Drs. Allison Sekuler and Rosanne Aleong, our guests shed light on what it really means to build communities that support intergenerational learning, independence, and inclusivity.  Throughout this conversation we also explore the role of technology and innovation in building age-friendly communities and how these tools can enhance accessibility for residents of all ages. 

On this episode of CABHI’s Community of Innovation podcast, we take a deeper look at the national dementia strategy with Dr. William E. Reichman (President and CEO, Baycrest) and Dr. Saskia Sivananthan (Chief Research & Knowledge Translation & Exchange (KTE) Officer, Alzheimer Society of Canada) to learn more about its goals, how it will impact the lives of everyday Canadians, especially those living with dementia and their caregivers, and how innovation will play a role in bringing this strategy to life.

Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve seen an influx of digital aging and brain health solutions designed to mitigate the virus’ impact on older adults, especially those living with dementia. Many of these solutions address social isolation, poor mental health, and a lack of access to quality on-demand healthcare. On the latest episode of our Community of Innovation Podcast, we’ll hear what older adults have to say about some of these solutions and how they are shaping the future of aging. Topics include the stigma associated with aging, the formal education of family caregivers, and the importance of designing aging and brain health solutions with inclusivity in mind. On the panel: Sue Drohan (CABHI Senior Advisory panel member), Sam Herskovits (CABHI Senior Advisory panel member), Ron Posno (Dementia Advocate), Len Carter (Dementia Advocate); moderator, Dr. Allison Sekuler (Managing Director, CABHI). Dive into this engaging conversation, which first aired at CABHI’s 2020 What’s Next Canada conference

On this episode of CABHI’s Community of Innovation podcast, we talk about sleep and its impact on people living with dementia and their caregivers. Joining us for this in-depth discussion is Dr. Andrew Lim, a sleep neurologist who helps us understand the science behind sleep and how it affects our physical and cognitive health as we age. We’ll also hear from Dr. Corrine Ong, Associate Professor, Community Services at Ryerson University, about what it’s like caring for someone with dementia and the challenges she encounters maintaining her own sleep routine. Dr. Adriana Shnall, Director of Programs at Baycrest@Home, joins the discussion to explain the relationship between sleep and the role caregivers play in ensuring older adults age comfortably at home. We round off this episode with an interview with CABHI innovator, Eve Baird. Baird shares how her solution, The Sleep Kit , can help mitigate the sleep challenges caused be cognitive impairments like dementia. We invite you to listen to this engaging discussion led by our hosts, Dr. Allison Sekuler and Dr. Rosanne Aleong, in partnership with Baycrest@Home.

On this episode, taken from the global segment of CABHI's 2020 What's Next Canada conference, panelists Dr. Seamus O’Neil (CEO, Northern Health Science Alliance), Albert Chu (Innovation Consultant, SOMPO Digital Lab), Robby Spring (Trade Advisor Health, Royal Danish Consulate General), and David Lindeman (Director of Health CITRIS and the Banatao Institute), highlight the importance of innovating in a global ecosystem, where organizations can swap valuable experiences to improve the quality of life for older adults. Tune in as the panelists put their advice into practice by sharing insights about the innovative ways their countries have responded to a growing aging population, with solutions like dementia-friendly communities and subsidized homecare.

Funding makes the world go ‘round – especially when you’re an entrepreneur looking to secure investments for your innovative agetech solution. While there may be many riches in the niches of the longevity market, it can be challenging for entrepreneurs in this space to access them. At CABHI’s 2020 What’s Next Canada conference, Sam Ifergan (Founder and Managing Partner at iGan Partners) and Anna Han (Senior Lead, Industry Relations Portfolio Management at Ontario Brain Institute) spoke to entrepreneurs about how they can stand out and secure funding to scale and grow their agetech companies – and truly make a lasting impact in the longevity market. In this discussion, first recorded as an Investors Panel at What’s Next Canada 2020, learn about the important qualities that investors are looking for in companies before they commit to funding, including: *Innovative products with a strong proof of concept *Technologies that solve real problems and have clear market prospects *Strong business models that focus on sustainability over time On the panel: Mary Furlong (CEO of Mary Furlong & Associates and panel moderator), Anna Hann (Senior Lead, Industry Relations Portfolio Management, Ontario Brain Institute), and Sam Ifergan (Founder & Managing Partner, iGan Partners).

Linking health research and innovation can feel like mixing oil and water. While research lives in the realm of academia, innovation is often associated with business and the marketplace. Yet, closing the gap between these disciplines is critical for accelerating lifesaving aging and brain health solutions. In this rapid-fire discussion from CABHI’s What’s Next Canada Technology Panel, we’ll discover creative ways to improve the chemistry between research and innovation, so that they act less like oil and water and more like a tasty vinaigrette.