What Does Healthy Aging Look Like for You?
Between November 2023 and February 2024, over 40 seniors and caregivers from across Durham Region participated in a series of community focus groups to share their experience, challenges, and ideas about aging well at home.
These conversations come at a pivotal time, as The Age with Dignity Research Centre at
Ontario Tech University, supported by new grants, is launching research initiatives addressing many of the same concerns. At the provincial level, Ontario recently re-introduced the Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025, which proposes expanded access to dementia care, strengthened caregiver rights, and more culturally responsive services in long-term care homes (Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care, 2025).
Key Themes from Community Discussions
Seniors emphasized the importance of good nutrition, regular physical activity, and strong social connections. They shared how access to fresh foods, dancing, and group fitness classes would help them stay physically well, while reading, puzzles, and staying informed would contribute to their cognitive health. They also spoke about the need for a centralized info hub, a senior-specific number (such as 211/911) to simplify access to urgent or non-urgent emergency assistance. Peer check-in systems, such as call partner programs, were suggested to reduce isolation. They spoke about the value of lifelong learning, maintaining a sense of dignity and humor, and having access to flexible programs that reflect their interests and needs. Seniors noted the importance of having services and information that are easy to access, both online and in person, especially for those less comfortable with digital technology. They also pointed out the need for affordable home maintenance, adaptable housing, and reliable transportationoptions to remain safely in their homes.
The emotional and financial toll of caregiving was a common concern. Participants described challenges related to long healthcare wait times, high costs of long-term care, and the complexity of navigating legal and financial systems such as Power of Attorney. Many noted a lack of respite options and insufficient mental health services. They called for more consistent and well-trained support workers, as well as improved infrastructure, safer public spaces, and more inclusive housing options that reduce isolation and support overall well-being.
What We Are Doing
These concerns are closely aligned with the work underway at Ontario Tech University’s Aging with Dignity Research Centre, where researchers are examining a range of solutions to help seniors live well at home. One area of focus is the use of technology to enhance homecare through tools like telehealth, smart home devices, and mobile health applications. Research is investigating how these tools can reduce hospital visits, support chronic disease management, and improve the daily lives of older adults.
Other projects are addressing the needs of culturally diverse seniors by exploring how to make homecare more inclusive. This includes assessing cultural barriers, developing training for care providers, and studying how culturally responsive care affects health outcomes. The Centre is also exploring how Internet of Things devices can support real-time health monitoring and emergency response at home.