As Canada faces the realities of a rapidly aging population, groundbreaking collaborations like MEDTEQ+, AGE-WELL, and the envisAGE program are revolutionizing how we support older adults and caregivers through innovative health technologies.

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, host Christopher Kunney highlights conversations he had at the envisAGE 2024 forum, addressing the challenges of Canada’s aging population through innovation, collaboration, and equitable access to technology. 

Annie-Kim Gilbert, CEO of MEDTEQ+, highlighted Canada’s rapidly aging population as a driving force behind the creation of the envisAGE program, a pan-Canadian initiative supported by federal and Quebec governments. MEDTEQ+ focuses on translating academic research from partners like AGE-WELL into commercialized innovations that directly benefit older Canadians. Annie-Kim emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors to address the significant funding challenges that SMEs face in bringing health tech solutions to market. She stressed that MEDTEQ+ and its partners strive to create tools and products that address the complex needs of the aging population, ensuring they are tested and validated in real-world settings like community environments.

Sabrina Boutin, Vice President of MEDTEQ+ and Executive Director of envisAGE, described the initiative’s origins during the COVID-19 pandemic, which amplified the vulnerabilities of aging populations. Leveraging nearly two decades of expertise from MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL, Sabrina underscored the importance of uniting research, government, and private sectors to catalyze change in the aging and health tech ecosystem. She spoke of the program’s dual focus on fostering innovation through funding and collaboration while ensuring talent acquisition and community involvement. Sabrina emphasized that envisAGE aims to mobilize stakeholders to create impactful, scalable solutions that address global aging challenges, while also positioning Canada as a leader in health technology innovation. 

Ron Beleno, Chair of AGE-WELL’s Older Adult and Caregiving Advisory Committee, focused on the vital role of caregivers and older adults in guiding innovation. He discussed AGE-WELL’s efforts to address aging-related stigma and ensure that technologies are not just innovative but practical and accessible. Ron emphasized the need for equitable access to AgeTech solutions and advocated for reframing aging as a natural and empowering journey. By involving diverse voices across Canada, the advisory committee provides essential feedback to shape research, policy, and innovations. He also highlighted the importance of storytelling to showcase how technology can enhance the quality of life, shifting the narrative from solving problems to enabling vibrant, community-centered aging.

Tune in to hear from visionary leaders Annie-Kim Gilbert, Sabrina Boutin, and Ron Beleno as they share insights on tackling aging-related challenges, fostering innovation, and shaping a brighter future for aging communities in Canada and beyond!