Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population

Ontario Long Term Care Association
Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population

By 2040, the population over 80 will more than double, but our perceptions of aging and plans for seniors’ care innovation have not kept pace. Let’s change the conversation. Coming of Age features host Donna Duncan, CEO of the Ontario Long Term Care Association, in lively discussions with national and international experts on ageism and how to reimagine seniors’ care.

  1. DEC 3

    Honest aging

    When you hear "normal aging," what comes to mind? For many, the concept is clouded by misconceptions and fears about the years ahead. But what if we could embrace aging as a natural, even empowering part of life? In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, geriatrician and author of Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life, to get real about the realities—and the benefits—of aging. They’ll discuss common myths, the surprising ways frailty is misunderstood, and how adapting to life’s later chapters can create a meaningful, fulfilling new normal. With evidence-based insights, Dr. Leipzig shares compelling advice for individuals, caregivers, healthcare workers, policymakers, and society as a whole on thriving through every stage of life. Resources:  Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life by Dr. Rosanne Leipzig Aging 101 tips, myth busters and exercises Learn about the art and life of Grandma Moses Tip sheet: The 5 Ms of Geriatrics  This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.

    50 min

  2. NOV 19

    How to have essential conversations about aging and care

    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.

    46 min

  3. NOV 5

    Caregiver trends, needs, and ways to cope

    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 Organization  Together, 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 Canada  This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A powered by StaffStat.

    56 min

  4. OCT 15

    Reimagining how we create seniors’ communities

    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 Communities  Listen 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 classroom  This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.

    49 min

  5. OCT 1

    Artificial intelligence and the exciting possibilities for seniors’ care

    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 analytics  This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.

    43 min

  6. SEP 17

    Building a sustainable global care workforce

    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.

    32 min
  7. Coming of Age: Season 4

    SEASON 4 TRAILER

    Coming of Age: Season 4

    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.

    1 min
  8. Leading in a time of great change

    12/19/2023

    Leading in a time of great change

    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 Health Listen 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 Living This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A Powered by StaffStat.

    42 min
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About

By 2040, the population over 80 will more than double, but our perceptions of aging and plans for seniors’ care innovation have not kept pace. Let’s change the conversation. Coming of Age features host Donna Duncan, CEO of the Ontario Long Term Care Association, in lively discussions with national and international experts on ageism and how to reimagine seniors’ care.

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