The federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program has renewed funding for AGE-WELL (link is external)—a research network hosted at UHN that is focused on improving the lives of older Canadians and their caregivers through technology.
AGE-WELL will receive $21.9 million over three years, to the end of fiscal year 2022/2023— a significant investment that will help Canada respond to the needs and challenges of an aging population through technology-based solutions that enable older adults to maintain their independence, health and quality of life, and to support their caregivers.
Since its inception in 2015, the pan-Canadian AGE-WELL network has grown from an initial 80 partners to include almost 400 industry, government and non-profit partners. AGE-WELL has 42 member universities and research centres across Canada. Over 4,700 older adults and caregivers are involved to ensure that products are practical and useful.
“Technology has a significant role to play in supporting older adults and caregivers in the current challenging times related to COVID-19 and in the future,” said Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Co-Director and CEO of AGE-WELL, and Senior Scientist at UHN's KITE Research Institute.
To date, AGE-WELL has supported 126 research teams at work on more than 100 technologies, services, policies and practices. These technologies include smart-home sensors, remote therapies and communication systems—some of which are already on the market and making a difference in people’s lives.
In its second phase, AGE-WELL will continue to drive the development of innovative solutions and technologies to support older adults and caregivers in Canada. AGE-WELL will place an even greater focus on innovative startups. It currently supports 36 Canadian startups that are commercializing products, generating jobs and creating wealth. AGE-WELL’s unique training program, which includes more than 750 trainees, will continue to prepare the next generation of leaders in the sector.
For more information, see the press release (link is external).
A robotic device to help stroke survivors rebuild upper-body strength (pictured) was developed by an AGE-WELL-supported team that included researchers (standing, L-R) Drs. Rosalie Wang and Aaron Yurkewich.
AGE-WELL drives research and innovation in eight priority ‘Challenge Areas’ (pictured).